Last week I wrote about contentment. It’s funny that I keep coming back to that. And God has been hitting me over the head with verses and blogs dealing with the topic…just when I’m struggling to be content.

I was doing laundry one day when a loud bang sounding like someone had hit the side of our house with a wrecking ball came from the laundry closet. The drum finally decided it was done doing laundry. Still, I needed clean clothes so I kept running the thing. The noise coming from the closet was obnoxious to say the least. And the clothes came out sopping wet and required a minimum of three runs through the dryer. The gas dryer. My gas bill was frightening.

We ordered new machines (replacing the dryer as well since they’re stackables–and old) and had to wait an excruciating two weeks for delivery. We had a lengthy conversation with the salesman about needing a gas dryer. He assured us there was nothing we needed to do and to “let the delivery guys handle everything”.

Well, the delivery guys showed up and, after jostling the stacked machines, asked, “Is this gas? We aren’t licensed to install a gas dryer. You need your gas company to take care of that.”

What? The salesman never said a word about that!

Then they looked at the order and found the salesman had ordered an electric dryer.

Since the salesman was apparently more interested in taking his lunch break rather than returning my call and apologizing, I canceled that order and went through another company. I’m still waiting for the blessed day when my new machines arrive. Never thought I’d be so happy to do laundry.

All the while, I’ve had some health issues that required a medical procedure. Nothing major. All taken care of now…I think.

But when it rains…it snows.

My husband was sent away on business for two days. Just in time to miss a major snowstorm.

I tried using the snowblower, but it was such a pain! I had to rock the beast back and forth to get it to move forward. Slow it down to keep it from lifting over the snow and leaving a layer of ice. And it refused to break the bank at the end of the driveway. Then ice jammed the shoot and I realized I had to go at it with more archaic methods–a shovel.

Each shovelful of the snow-slush-ice mix from our steep driveway weighed a ton. I thought I was going to die. For the first time in my life, I didn’t think I’d finish. I cleared one side of the driveway to drive my daughter to school. And I told my husband to expect a one row driveway when he got home.

Then the stupid workaholic-can’t-let-this-thing-beat-me monster within me reared it’s ugly head.

I couldn’t let the driveway win.

After four hours of shoveling total, the driveway (and steps) were clear!

Of course, during all this lots of other issues cropped up…one after another.

All the while I’ve been rolling out of bed first thing in the morning and praying, then head downstairs to do my Sweet Selah Moments devotions. Then, after breakfast, before I start my work for the day, I read my Jesus Calling devotional and write the referenced verses down in my daily planner. I keep starting my day with God, praying that He’ll help me look to Him for my joy and contentment. To stop focusing on the mess around me.

I find it amusing that everything I read and hear has been rooted in finding contentment in God. This morning I was brought back to Habakkuk 3:17-19

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” – Habakkuk 3:17-19

I read that and knew I’d used it in a blog post recently. So, I searched my site for Habakkuk and found this: Happy Thanksgiving?

I was like, “Wow, that’s pretty good advice!” Haha! Funny how much I know myself. In the post I mention that the need to let the love of Christ rule in my heart is a reminder I continually need. Clearly, it is!

Going back and reviewing my old post made me realize just how far I’ve come. Although all those things that have annoyed me this past month affected me and my mood more than they should have, they didn’t affect me as much as they would have in the past. I got up and prayed everyday despite my circumstances. I grounded myself every morning by spending time with Him, remembering to thank Him.

And I should be thankful! I have a house, vehicles, and a husband who is usually around to take care of snow removal. I have medical insurance to cover costly procedures. I can afford to replace the washing machine (thank you tax return). I have a friend who invited me to do laundry at her house, allowing me a great opportunity to connect with her, her son, and her animals.

I am blessed beyond measure. I have all I need.

When I remember what God has done for me, what He’s given me, I can’t help but be thankful.

As I was praying to be content, God was answering! He gave me plenty of opportunities to practice contentment. It’s a muscle that must be exercised to be perfected. Did I handle it perfectly? No. Did I improve? Yes.

Now I’m really hoping I’ve improved enough to skate for a while. Haha. Yeah, right.

I won’t rehash my Happy Thanksgiving? post. Feel free to check it out for yourself. Instead, I’ll leave you with these verses God has given me throughout the weeks that I found most helpful during these trials.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!” – Psalm 42:11

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

“The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.” – Psalm 29:11

“For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” – Isaiah 41:13

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” – Romans 8:6

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.” – Psalm 46:1-2

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” – Romans 8:31

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” – Ephesians 3:20

Okay…I’m out of control and must stop. There are so many great verses! Pick the ones that resonate with you and cling to them during difficulty.

And this is my prayer for us all.

“‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.’” – Numbers 6:24-26

How about you? Are you going through a trying time? Perhaps it’s one big thing or many small things. Difficulty will come. The Bible assures us of this. But look up. You’re not alone. God will see you through. And, as you practice growing more dependent on God and finding your contentment in Him, despite the troubles swirling around you, peace will rule in your heart. That’s the goal. That’s my prayer for us all.

You are loved,

J F Rogers