Girlfriends in God- December 01, 2020

December 1, 2020 God’s Money-Back Guarantee Mary Southerland Today’s Truth I will give thanks to Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness, because Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name (Psalm 138:2, NLT). Friend to Friend I love money-back guarantees. We once bought a car to replace a van that had 125,000 miles on it. Our first vacation in the new car was a disaster. We began having trouble the very first day of our trip. We stopped in four different cities, trying to find a mechanic who could repair the car. No one could explain or even find the problem. We were not happy campers! But when we returned home and contacted the dealership, we were told that because of the guarantee on the car, we could get our money back or trade it in for another one. Loved. It. Did you know that there is a money-back guarantee on every promise of God? I will give thanks to Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness, because Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name (Psalm 138:2, NIV). The name of Jesus is above all names and absolutely defines honor. If God backs every promise in His Word, why do we find it so hard to experience true peace and contentment in our lives? I know life can be hard. Some of you are in so much pain that it is hard to breathe. Please know this! God knows exactly where you are and what you are going through – and you really can trust Him. The apostle Paul had a firm grip on this truth when he wrote these words: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:11b-12, NIV). Paul lived by the truth that God is constantly at work around us, monitoring every step we take. Paul examined every circumstance, understanding that it had already passed through His Father’s hands with His permission. God came through for Paul, and He will come through for you. Paul could have been angry with God. After all, Paul had been faithful. He had given up much and endured great pain. And yet the undercurrent theme of this passage is gratitude. It is an attitude chosen by Paul. It is a learned perspective. In this verse, “learned” implies that Paul was educated by experience. In other words, Paul is saying that all of his experiences in life, good and bad, had become his tutor in contentment. The word “contentment” can best be defined as “contained.” Are you ready? Because this truth can slam into your heart and mind and will change the way you see trials from this moment on – if you let it! Paul trained himself to focus on his inner resources rather than the outward circumstances of life. He chose to be grateful. He chose to praise God – period. We hear his determination in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 when he says, No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Gratitude not only brings contentment, but it also creates perseverance and produces strength. God entrusts trials to us, giving us the opportunity to choose gratitude. The real test of gratitude is when it makes absolutely no logical sense for us to be grateful.   In Africa there is a fruit called the “taste berry.” When eaten it changes a person’s taste buds so that everything tastes good and sweet. Gratitude is the “taste berry” in our spiritual lives. When our hearts are filled with gratitude, we will find contentment. Remember, there is a money-back guarantee on every promise of God. Choose to practice gratitude. Let’s Pray Father, I come to You, confessing that I tend to have a heart that is filled with whining and complaining instead of gratitude. Please forgive me. Help me learn to see Your hand at work in my life. I want to trust You even when I don’t understand my circumstances. Right now, I choose to praise You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Now It’s Your Turn By faith, accept the truth that God is always at work in your life and thank Him for His steadfast provision. Look back over the last few days. Praise Him for the things He has done in your life. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What are the steps listed in this passage that will produce contentment? More from the Girlfriends Many of us are constantly looking for something "better." What is the secret of contentment? Check out Mary’s MP3 download The Secret of Contentment for steps you can take to experience satisfaction and joy each and every day. Be sure to connect with Mary through email at mary@marysoutherland.com or on Facebook. © 2020 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved.     Seeking God? GirlfriendsInGod.com

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