Your reaction to how much you are paid; your reaction to your house and the things in it; your reaction to your looks; how you react to setbacks and disappointments – this is the confession that you make before the world. ~ Carl Haak, pastor
This quote is sobering.
What is my confession when people hear me talk about where I live, what I am paid or not paid, what I look like, or where I am in life?
What do my children hear me confess?
What do my own ears hear me confess over and over again?
Pastor Haak went on to say that “Contentment is our confession. It becomes obvious to others that we believe we are in the hands of God.”
[bctt tweet=”Contentment is our confession that we believe we are in the hands of God. @carlhaak #livingfreetogether” username=”suzanneeller”]
If we don’t like what is coming from our mouth, here are some powerful words to speak instead. Let’s speak them until they reach our heart.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:4-7 (The Message)
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. Psalm 73:25 (NLT)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
This reading was sooooo good for me. Only God knows how much I’ve badgered Him into wanting to know where am I going to live next. It’s only been 23 years but I’ve grown tired of asking, seeking and knocking and your letter was music to my ears. I actually started to think that way just the other day.
Thank you and may He bless you and your work abundantly.
Onni
That’s a long time. I pray that God shows you His divine purpose right where you are, and also stokes the hope in your heart if moving is part of the plan. Thank you, Onni, for such an honest reply. I appreciate that you joined me here today, friend.
When I opened the “Encouragement for Today” devotional, I was so surprised and happy to see that it was about something our family is going through right now. It really spoke to my heart. I love 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,”Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” My husband is living and working in another state while I stay behind with our two boys waiting for our house to sell. We have been waiting for 6 1/2 months now. I am starting to feel discontented because I want our family to be living together again. Our church, which we absolutely loved, had to close due to financial reasons. We really feel like we are in limbo because we want to move on, find a new church, and begin our lives in this new town. God has a plan for our family, though, the best plan and we have to wait, and not jump ahead of him, so we can receive his full blessings. It is really tough some days. It makes me think of Jeremiah 29:11. Philippians 4:6-7 has become my prayer whenever doubt and worry start to creep into my mind. Thank you for your beautiful story of “living where you live.” It reminds me that we have to live each day according to God’s will and be thankful for the situation we are currently in.
Oh Heather, even as we hear from God that we are finally moving, I’m right there with you as we transition. You are right, it’s tough on some days. I pray that God opens doors, but that they lead to His heartbeat for you and your family, and that He covers you with His comfort and joy while you wait. Look for moments to praise Him for right where you are today, with a full heart ready for tomorrow.
I want to tell you how I loved reading Encouragement for Today and your comments here also to “live where you live.” My husband has been discontented with where we live for almost 30 years. He constantly looks for houses online and takes us for “drive bys” to see if he can find just the right house. Whenever I decorate our home or do something to maintain our home, I feel that I am “making it more appealing.” for a prospective buyer. I look around and wonder how the improvements will attract someone else to buy. I also feel like I am living in limbo and have realized this for some time. It’s as tho I am living here but it’s not really mine. Time for a change in my thinking.
Bonnie, my prayer is that you will be so content where you are, that when and if you do move, it won’t be because you are searching for something better but that rather you are simply moving, directed by the Holy Spirit, to where God leads. <3 My best to you today!
Thank you for this encouragement today! I passed it on!
Thanks, Deb!
Hello,
I know your situation well. I am a military spouse and in the 14 years of marriage we’ve moved 7 times. There are parts of moving that are not so fun, I hate clutter and disorganization-so you see my issue-but there are parts I love. I recently had surgery to remove a middle ear tumor and even though we’ve lived her only 8 months, I had 4 neighbors show up at my door unexpectedly to provide full meals for my family! One of our moves made me feel lonely and friendless, but some of our very good friends from our last base had flowers delivered for me and oh the tears! but oh the love!
I’ve learned that diving in and investing in lives with encouragement and interest is such a need for so many, that and buying a trampoline for the kids which provides an easy way for neighborhood kids to approach them for friendship. We get complacent with our relationships sometimes so a good move really shakes things up!
Good luck with your move! Look for the opportunities and daily gifts God gives, they are there and they are so encouraging.
Your Sister,
Amanda
Diving in! And hey, I’ve always wanted a trampoline. 🙂
Trampolines are very fun for mommies too, until you bounce that one bounce then its time to get some different clothes on… Have a great move!
Thank you for sharing your heart on this topic. Know that I have been praying to Him for help and encouragement in changing my thinking, my discontent in the timing of my journey and specifically scripture and words of affirmation to cling to. What an answer to prayer through your words. Thank you.
I love that Deirdre. Today Phil 4:6-7 (I shared with another friend here today) spoke to my heart. Scripture is powerful. It fills us up, anchors us, and propels us forward. One quote that is my favorite is: The Bible is alive. It speaks to me. It has feet. It runs to me. It has hands; it lays hold of me. ~Martin Luther.
My prayer is that scripture will speak to you, run to you, lay hold of you and be your encouragement and firm foundation. ~Suzie
This was the message I needed to hear!! For the past few weeks a work friend who has consistently been telling me not to worry. She is blessed with gifts and continues to encourage me and let me know that I should not worry my future is bright she sees the glow around me. I am constantly thinking about what is next, what should I be doing to reach the next level.
At this time it feels like I am doing so MANY things yet mastering none and getting no where. I wonder if this is my time to be ‘still’, “Live where I live”. This is a powerful message and thank you for being the vessel to share this message. It is right on time for so many of us and don’t feel alone anymore. Reading the other comments is comforting because I know that I am not alone in my walk of faith when it comes to trusting the Lord more.
Thank you Suzanne and may you continue to be blessed.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you LIVE in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I think this passage of scriptures speaks more to me right now than it ever has. I don’t necessarily live in a place or even on a path, but rather I LIVE in Christ, wherever I am, whatever God is showing me, whoever crosses my path. I LIVE in Him. My prayer is that you and I and the others waving their hands in the air today saying, “Oh my goodness, this is me!” will live fully right we are, content, and open to whatever He has for us today, as we place tomorrow in His capable hands. Thanks so much, Nelise, for your insight today!
Hi, this email could not have come at a more accurate time. Over the past three weeks I have been viewing apartments with the intention of moving out of my family flat which I share jointly with my brother. I decided to move out as life at home is becoming unbearable
A little history about myself, I moved back to the family flat after my marriage broke up.However I have been fervently praying and believing God for restoration and I believe Í am on a brink of a miracle.
Just before I opened this email, I had just put in an offer to purchase an apartment. I was astonished when I opened todays devotional. I belie God is telling to live where I live. I thank the Holy Spirit for this confirmation.
Father, today I pray with Ellen. Pour out renewed joy and strength and wisdom in this waiting time. Give her what she needs, beyond her own human abilities, to deal with the turmoil and adversity. May she sense You so close that she never feels alone. In the powerful name of Jesus, amen.
Thank you for this encouragement today we are packing up for our 5 th move in 15 years of marriage. I am finally learning to live where we live and have so many wonderful friends I have met along the way.
Karen
What a huge task to move five times in 15 years. And yet how cool that you see the adventure in it all.
Such good words to hear today, Suzanne. You don’t know how many times I have been that girl missing the beauty right in front of me…because I don’t want to miss seeing that same beauty again or what is to come. Learning true contentment in this day and moment is such a worthy and freeing way to live and to show true reliance and trust in God. Thank you.
Hi Becky, thank you for that. I love your second line: don’t know how many times I have been that girl missing the beauty right in front of me. . .” May we all be the girl who lives where we live long enough to savor the good and beautiful moments sprinkled throughout, even in the waiting times. So glad you came by my little corner of cyberspace and shared your thoughts. I hope you come back!
I too needed these words more than ever today! We have been living in limbo for a few years, and we can just feel that God has something planned, but we are waiting for Him to show us the next step! I was even having a little pity party last week, but I know we are in His hands. 1 Timothy 6:6 was my verse for this year. Thank you for reminding me! God Bless and thank you for your encouragement.
Suzie, What a wonderful devotional today, spoken right to my heart and so needed today! We live a crazy life, traveling in a 40′ RV around the country for my husbands job. We have been in 35 states in 5 years! It used to drive me crazy and I would shut down not getting me or my boys out there, but I started to pray Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.” And Wow, what works we can do for God; Daily!!! Every morning we ask God to show us what we can do for Him today, who can we help, who needs to see His love and what do we need to learn today. God has placed so many wonderful people and church families in our lives we are beyond humbled. Although we look forward to one day ‘settling’ down, we love our lives and are so thankful for the path God put us on. Our learning over the past 5 years in such a blessing. Thank you for new scriptures and words to pray and study. I thank and pray God for you and all of the Proverbs group. You are truly a blessing and thank you for sharing your gift with us!
Susie, your devotional hit home in the best way. I’m currently on a journey in my schooling to eventually become a youth minister. In a year and a half, I will be graduating with an Associates in Early Childhood Education, and I’m often thinking about what school to go to next and that I have nine years ahead of me. Last night God brought me back to the “right here and now.” I’m not even 100% sure I will change my major after next semester, much less what I’ll be doing in nine years. Your devotional today showed me how to slow down and embrace today. Right now, this moment, birds are chirping and the sun is shining. Later today I will be going out to shop and enjoy the weather. Knowing what school to transfer to will be revealed to me in time, but for now, I will take a walk, feel the sunshine, praise God, and live where I live.
Suzie, thank you for an awesome reminder. I am going through a transition of healing and change and God is bringing me through one step at a time. I have been going through physical therapy for over 6 months, balancing hormones from menopause, and getting used to retirement. I believe God gives us the desires of our hearts. I am only 52 and would love to work again helping others. I am reminded by friends that God has greater plans than what I can imagine. And that He does not give us more than what we can handle. I have cried at times and all the while I know that I am extremely blessed. Thanks for place to share.
Thanks Suzie, your devotionals are always encouraging but todays hit home more than usual. I was laid off last Monday from a long time job after being lied to that my job was secure after a much younger woman was hired. My self confidence hit bottom (as if it wasn’t low enough already) and I totally lost it for most of the week. A song yesterday on the radio by Gold City “It’s Just Another Red Sea” and then todays devotion has helped tremendously. I know I need to pick up and move on, redo my resume and get back to living. You have always been so encouraging, thank you and may God bless you in all you do.
Suzie, thank you for your inspiration and encouragement. I have really been praising and worshiping God as I go through this Red Sea experience. The thought of losing my home and car has been too heavy for me to bear.
“Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you..” Wow!!! Your encouragement reminds me to make not to worry. Thank you again.
Proverbs 3:5-7 does this regularly for me. So many times I want to move on from where I live because where I live is painful! It’s hard helping a kiddo heal from a broken past, or to manage another’s care who’s way behind the developmental growth curve (and is starting middle school in the fall…. ok, I’m getting off the crazy train now :).
Knowing God is trustworthy, and that He WILL make straight my paths makes it a little easier to just BE where I am on them today. Whew. Thanks for the reminder Suzie.
Wow….in the midst of wanting so badly to move to Texas so my husband and I can be closer to our families, I see your devotion. After 15 1/2 years of being away, as I am active duty military, I feel that it is time to move closer to home. We have been “stuck” in Illinois for over 5 years now, with no prospect of an assignment. I’ve prayed and prayed that God would open a door for us to sell our home and move….and this is His answer. I struggle even more with this, because this is not what I wanted or hoped to hear, but at this point I guess I cannot say that He did not answer my prayer. Please pray for me that I will somehow gain contentment to live where we are now….this is really a great word, I just need to come to a place to where I can fully accept it.
Hi Suzie,
Thank you do much for the devotional! God has really been working on me over the past 2 weeks with living in the now and rising above my circumstance. My husband and I seperated after 14 yrs if marriage 1 year ago this month. God has promised me restoration and I completely trust Him. He has also told me He was going to use me for great things. I’ve had a hard time “enjoying the wait”, I’ve mainly focused on my future and my marriage being restored opposed to living each day and enjoying the journey. It’s beautiful how God used your devotional Monday morning to go along with what He’s been showing me. Ahhhhh the beauty of resting in Him, enjoying the journey!
Wendi :))
This devotional resonated with me. I am still adjusting to our recent move to a new city due to my husband’s job. I know the Lord ordains all this, but sadness continues to envelope me as I miss our church and the ministries I was involved with, our friends and former surroundings. Thank you, Suzie, for sharing your journey and encouraging me to bloom where God has planted me! With Christ’s help I can overcome. May God bless you and your husband as your new adventure begins.
Thank you so much Suzanne. I really needed to hear this today. What a blessing you are.
Love in Christ.
Tristine