Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

There is a kind of contentment of spirit that is not dependent on external circumstances. If you’ve ever been to a part of the world where deep poverty is everywhere, and yet seen people with continual smiles on their faces and hearts of hospitality with the little they have, you’ve seen a glimpse of what the writer is describing. In a culture of general affluence like the United States it is assumed that “much” is needed for happiness. I fall into this trap myself all the time. It is not true. In fact, it’s very possible to have “everything” and be miserable.

Lord this morning we lift up to you those in need, of which there are many in our world. We also lift up to you those who are rich in “stuff” but poor in spirit. Give us grace to possess cheerful hearts no matter our external situation. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.