My JOY Journey ~ Contentment and Obedience

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

  My Word for 2011

Seeking to fill my life with JOY still in this last week of 2011

*FINDING JOY in CONTENTMENT and OBEDIENCE

Luke 1:26-28, 29-31

[source]"Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,and shalt call His name Jesus." Luke 1:31
No greater example of obedience and contentmentthan Mary, the chosen mother of Jesus Christ.Mary made saying"Yes" to God's love a conscious habitLuke 1:38As you read the list of Promises below, just check how Maryexemplifies this in her life, how 'bout you? Do you?

*PROMISES ... 1) about Living in Obedience Galatians 6:9; 1 Kings 8:61; Jeremiah 51:10 2) to help you gain self confidence Isaiah 43:7; Galatians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:11-12 3) about paring down our schedules Psalm 143:10; Micah 4:2; John 1:16; Proverbs 31:30 4) to help you choose tranquility Philippians 4:8; John 14:1-3 5) to help you praise God all the time Psalm 126:5; 1 Peter 1:8; Psalm 89:15; Psalm 147:1 6) about being content 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Ecclesiastes 3:14; James 3:17 7) to help you reflect Christ's humility Isaiah 66:2; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Proverbs 22:4 8) to help you change your outlook Proverbs 14:26-27; Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 84:11 9) about chasing away pride Proverbs 13:10; Psalm 22:26; Proverbs 23:4-5; Psalm131:1 10) about delighting in God's love Psalm 25:4-5; Isaiah 58:14; Psalm 145:2

Honestly, this is probably the most difficult one for me in finding JOY in these: contentment and obedience (and it would have to fall on Weds.). Don't get me wrong, I have learned much about being content and willingly obeying, in fact, gladly obeying... but it still does not mean that either comes easily. The mind and spirit are willing but the flesh is weak, especially when I'm at home, where I should show it the most. Someone thinks that I complain about everything... I sure hope not. 

* "Perspective is all about how we choose to see things."

I'm so thankful that God not only looks at the heart, but He sees my heart and the difference in my USA living vs. my current living and knows I've learned to be content with little. Not that THAT makes one content. But trust me, if you have trouble with contentment and/or obedience, just be a missionary (long or short term) in a 3rd world country, you will quickly learn and be thankful for so much more of the small things. I guess I'm not quite a "Mary" yet.
"The definition of contentment from a biblical perspective is: “An internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances” - Holman Bible Dictionary"
"Contentment and patience are difficult because they are so contrary to fallen humanity and how we naturally think even after we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. It takes constant renewal in the Word, fellowship with the Lord, and growth through struggle to change." ... Bible.org on "Waiting on the Lord"
Obedience in the Christian Life involves listening; receptivity; spontaneity; liberty
Reflective questions to consider:How do you find joy in contentment?How do you find joy in obedience?Is it difficult or easy for you? Which is easier? Why?
Since it's Wednesday, there'sMOREWORD FILLED WEDS.at theInternet Cafe Devotions


*Part 8 in "Joy for the Journey" - Promises, scripture references and quote are taken from this book, which I am doing for this last week of 2011 for my WordJOYJoy posts so far this week:
My JOY Journey ~ Contentment and Obedience (today)
My JOY Journey ~ Positive Living (T)
My JOY Journey ~ God's Plan (M)
My JOY Journey: The Beginning of the End (S)
Joy posts yet to come  My JOY Journey ~ HOPE, COURAGE, COMFORT (Th)My JOY Journey ~ PRAYING and READING GOD'S WORD (F) My JOY Journey ~ The JOY of LIFE'S LITTLE MOMENTS (Sat am)My JOY Journey ~ The JOY of FRIENDSHIP (Sat pm)