I recently read a story in a children’s devotional book about a contented man (Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn, How God Used a Thunderstorm and Other Devotional Stories [Christian Focus, 2003]: p. 57). This man had been through many trials, and yet he did not complain. He was, instead, content and even cheerful. When asked, “What is your secret? How are you so happy?” the man replied, “I use my eyes correctly.” He then explained:
When I begin a new day, or face a new trial, I first look to heaven, and remember that I am on earth to glorify God. I pray for His grace and Holy Spirit to wash away my sins in the blood of Jesus Christ, and to use me in His service.
Then I look on the earth and think what a small space I shall need in it when I am dead and buried.
Then I look around me, and think how many people there are who have more cause to be unhappy than I have. I think of Hebrews 13:5 and 6: “Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper, and I shall not fear what man shall do unto me.”
How would our attitudes be changed if at the start of each day or in the face of each new trial, we looked up to heaven, down to earth, and then around at our fellow men?
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
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