May 17:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

Content With What the Lord Gives.
" 'And do you seek great things for yourself?  Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,' " says the Lord.  "But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go."--Jeremiah 45:5, NKJV

THE WIDE, DEEP RIVER, that offers a highway for the traffic and travel of nations, is valued as a world-wide benefit; but what of the little rills that help to form this noble stream?  Were it not for them, the river would disappear.  Upon them its very existence depends.  So men called to lead in some great work are honored as if its success were due to them alone; but that success required the faithful co-operation of humbler workers almost without number--workers of whom the world knows nothing.  Tasks uncommended, labor without recognition, is the lot of most of the world's toilers.  And in such a lot many are filled with discontent.  They feel that life is wasted.  But the little rill that makes its noiseless way through grove and meadow, bearing health and fertility and beauty, is as useful in its way as the broad river.  And in contributing to the river's life, it helps achieve that which alone it could never have accomplished.

The lesson is one needed by many.  Talent is too much idolized, and station too much coveted.  There are too many who will do nothing unless they are recognized as leaders; too many who must receive praise, or they have no interest to labor.  What we need to learn is faithfulness in making the utmost of the powers and opportunities we have, and contentment in the lot to which Heaven assigns us.--Education, 116, 117.

May 16:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

Selfishness and Greed Breed Discontent.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.--Galatians 5:24, NLT

THE HEART IN HARMONY with God is lifted above the annoyances and trials of this life.  But a heart where the peace of Christ is not, is unhappy, full of discontent....A life of selfishness is a life of evil....Passions kept warm and fierce by Satan's promptings are a bitter fountain, ever sending forth bitter streams to poison the life of others.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 488.

Those who yield to Satan's power gain no happiness thereby.  They are never contented or at rest.  They are dissatisfied, querulous and irritable, unthankful and rebellious.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 207.

The principles of worldlings is to get all they can of the perishable things of this life.  Selfish love of gain is the ruling principle in their lives.  But the present joy is not found in riches nor where covetousness is always craving, but where contentment reigns and where self-sacrificing love is the ruling principle.  There are thousands who are passing their lives in indulgence and whose hearts are filled with repining.  They are victims of selfishness and discontent in the vain effort to satisfy their minds with indulgence.  But unhappiness is stamped upon their very countenances, and behind them is a desert, because their course is not fruitful in good works.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, 382.

                                     A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,
                             but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier.
                                     Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood,
                                         but jealousy is even more dangerous.
                                                                                  --Proverbs 27:3, 4, NLT

May 15:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

The Hope That Brings True Joy.
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."--Hebrews 13:5, NKJV

CULTIVATE A CONTENTED, cheerful spirit.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 434.

The world is full of dissatisfied spirits who overlook the happiness and blessings within their reach, and are continually seeking for happiness and satisfaction that they do not realize.  They are constantly seeking on the stretch for some expected, far-off good greater than they possess, and are ever in a state of disappointment.--Testimonies for the Church, 640.

They have not God, they have not the hope which reaches to that within the veil, which is as an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast.  All who possess this hope will purify themselves even as He is pure.  Such are free from restless longings, repinings. and discontent; they are not continually looking for evil and brooding over borrowed trouble.  But we see many who are having a time of trouble beforehand; anxiety is stamped upon every feature; they seem to find no consolation, but have a continual fearful looking for of some dreadful evil.

Such dishonor God, and bring the religion of Christ into disrepute.  They have not true love for God....Their affections have become morbid.  But vain amusements will never correct the minds of such.  They need the transforming influence of the Spirit of God in order to be happy.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, 566.

                                              Though the fig tree may not blossom,
                                                          Nor fruit be on the vines;
                                              Though the labor of the olive may fail,
                                                        And the fields yield no food;
                                           Though the flocks may be cut off from the fold,
                                                 And there be no herd in the stalls--
                                                      Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
                                               I will joy in the God of my salvation.
                                                                                       --Habakkuk 3:17, 18, NKJV

May 14:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

The Love for Jesus and of Riches Are Incompatible.
"What should we do?" asked some soldiers.  John replied, "Don't exhort money or make false accusations.  And be content with your pay."--Luke 3:14, NLT

THE SELFISH, MONEY-LOVING MAN lives only to secure for himself the riches, honors, and pleasures of this world.  He loses the eternal world from his reckoning.--Christ's Object Lessons, 101.

If men love their riches better than they love their fellow men, better than they love God or the truths of His word, if their hearts are on their riches, they cannot have eternal life....Like the young man in the Bible, many go away sorrowful because they cannot have their riches and a treasure in heaven, too.  They cannot have both; and they venture to risk their chance of eternal life for a worldly possession....


...The love of Jesus and of riches cannot dwell in the same heart.  The love of God so far surpasses the love of riches that the possessor breaks away from his riches and transfers his affections to God.  Through love he is then led to minister to the wants of God's cause.  It is his highest pleasure to make a right disposition of his Lord's goods.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, 172.

                                    Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich.
                                       Be wise enough to know when to quit.
                                     In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
                                                    for it will sprout wings
                                               and fly way like an eagle.
                                                                        --Proverbs 23:4, 5, NLT

May 13:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

The Secret to True Happiness.
How I Praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again....Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.--Philippians 4:10-12, NLT

OH, THAT WE COULD BE SATISFIED with less heart longings, less striving for things difficult to obtain..., while that which God values above jewels, the meek and quiet spirit, is not cherished....It is better to endure cheerfully every inconvenience than to part with peace and contentment.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 622.

There are restless ones who, were they to go to a new place to live, would still be dissatisfied, because the spirit of disaffection is in their hearts, and a change of place does not bring a change of heart.  They need to learn the lesson of contentment.--Fundamentals of Christian Education, 495.

Those who are drinking at the fountain of life will not, like the worldling, manifest a longing desire for change and pleasure.  In their deportment and character will be seen the rest and peace and happiness that they have found in Jesus by daily laying their perplexities and burdens at His feet.  They will show that there is contentment and even joy in the path of obedience and duty.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 432.

             Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved,
         he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
                              
                                                                         --James 1:12, NKJV

May 12:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

Riches Are Not Necessary.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing with these we shall be content.--1 Timothy 6:6-8, NKJV

MANY ARE DETERMINED to be rich; this is their study, and in their zeal eternal considerations are overlooked.  They are blinded by Satan and make themselves believe that it is for good purposes they desire this gain; they strain their consciences, deceive themselves, and are constantly coveting riches.  Such have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  They have sacrificed their noble, elevated principles, given up their faith for riches, and, if not disappointed in their object, they are disappointed in the happiness which they supposed riches would bring....

The apostle Paul shows the only true use for riches, and bids Timothy charge the rich to do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; for in so doing they are laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come....Godliness with contentment is great gain.  Here is the true secret of happiness, and real prosperity of soul and body.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, 541, 542.

                   Commend those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty,
                              nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God,
                                        who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
                              
                                                             --1 Timothy 6:17, NKJV

May 11:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

Happiness and Contentment Found in Godliness.
Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have.--1 Timothy 6:6, GNT

FAITH IN GOD'S LOVE and overruling providence lightens the burdens of anxiety and care.  It fills the heart with joy and contentment in the highest or the lowest lot.  Religion tends directly to promote health, to lengthen life, and to heighten our enjoyment of all its blessings.  It opens to the soul a never-failing fountain of happiness.  Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves.  Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 600.

In order to be happy, we must strive to attain to that character which Christ exhibited.  One marked peculiarity of Christ was His self-denial and benevolence.  He came not to seek His own.  He went about doing good, and this was His meat and drink.  We may, by following the example of the Saviour, be in holy communion with Him, and by daily seeking to imitate His character and follow His example, we shall be a blessing to the world and shall secure for ourselves contentment here and an eternal reward hereafter.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 227.

                              Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,
                         who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
                                           despising the shame, and has sat down
                                          at the right hand of the throne of God.
                                                                                      --Hebrews 12:2, NKJV

May 10:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

Good Words Gladden the Heart.
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.--Proverbs 12:25, NKJV

LET US NOT GATHER TOGETHER all the unpleasant pictures--the iniquities and corruption and disappointments, the evidence of Satan's power--to hang in the halls of our memory, to talk over and mourn over until our souls are filled with discouragement....

There are, thank God, brighter and more cheering pictures which the Lord has presented to us.  Let us group together the blessed assurances of His love as precious treasures, that we may look upon them continually.  The Son of God leaving His Father's throne, clothing His divinity with humanity, that He might rescue man from the power of Satan; His triumph in our behalf, opening heaven to man, revealing to human vision the presence chamber where Deity unveils His glory; the fallen race uplifted from the pit of ruin which sin had plunged them, and brought again into connection with the infinite God, and, having endured the divine rest through faith in our Redeemer, clothed in the righteousness of Christ and exalted to His throne--these are the pictures with which God bids us gladden the chambers of the soul.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 744 745.

                                       "The Lord your God in your midst,
                                              The Mighty One, will save;
                                        He will rejoice over you with gladness,
                                             He will quiet you with His love,
                                          He will rejoice over you with singing."
                                                                                           --Zephaniah 3:17, NKJV

                                    Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
                                whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,
                               whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,
                            whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue
                         and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
                              
                                                                 --Philippians 4:8, NKJV

May 9:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

He Longs to Make His Children Glad.
"In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness.  For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts."--Acts 14:16, 17, NLT

NATURE TESTIFIES that One infinite in power, great in goodness, mercy, and love, created the earth, and filled it with life and gladness....

...In earth and sea and sky, with their marvelous tint and color, varying in gorgeous contrast or blended in harmony, we behold His glory.  The everlasting hills tell us of His power.  The trees that wave their green banners in the sunlight, and the flowers in their delicate beauty, point to their Creator.  The living green that carpets the brown earth tells of God's care for the humblest of His creatures....

All things tell of His power that summer and winter, seedtime and harvest, day and night follow each other in their regular succession.  It is by His word that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear and the flowers bloom.  Every good thing we have, each ray of sunshine and shower of rain, every morsel of food, every moment of life, is a gift of love.--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 74.

           Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father,
      who created all the lights in the heavens.  He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
                                                                                                 --James 1:17, NLT

                                      "You are worthy, O Lord our God,
                                    to receive glory and honor and power.
                                             For you created all things,
                          and they exist because you created what you pleased."
                              
                                                           --Revelation 4:11, NLT

May 8:  Cheerfulness and Contentment.

Reasons for Praise and Gladness.
He brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.  He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples, that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws.  Praise the Lord!--Psalm 105:43-45, NRSV

GOD SURROUNDED ISRAEL with every facility, gave them every privilege, that would make them an honor to His name and a blessing to surrounding nations.  If they would walk in the ways of obedience, He promised to make them "high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor."  "All people of the earth,"  He said, "shall hear that thou are called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee."  The nations which shall hear all these statues shall say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."  Deuteronomy 26:19; 28:10; Deuteronomy 4:6.--Education 40.

We are exhorted to call to "remembrance the former days...."  Hebrews 10:32.  For His people in this generation the Lord has wrought as a wonder-working God.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 364.

He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart with thanksgiving, and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered.  He desires to have a stronger expression from His people, showing that they know they have reason for joy and gladness.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 364

                                             O Lord, you are my God;
                                 I will exalt you, I will praise your name;
                                       for you have done wonderful things,
                                    plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
                                                                                         --Isaiah 25:1, NRSV