We get bitter because we think we deserve better. However, if we could see ourselves as we really are we would never feel deprived or mistreated. Believing we deserve nothing enables us to be content with anything. Knowing we all have it better than we deserve and that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..“(James 1:17) encourages us to rejoice even in our troubles. When we fail to do this let us blame no one but ourselves.

“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.“–Proverbs 15:15

There is a class of little annoyances such as we make for ourselves by a complaining, or an overly fastidious temperament. There are some who make such a fuss about trifles, tormenting themselves, and worrying others by a perpetual fault-finding and discontent — as every trifling irritation is magnified to a mountain — that all pleasure is spoiled by their presence!

It is a good rule in little things, as well as great things, that “what can’t be cured — should be endured” — and endured cheerfully!

I am not advocating slovenly and careless endurance of little vexations which may be remedied — let them be set right by all means, and the more quietly as well as quickly, the better. But I have observed people who were most ludicrously discomposed by trifles which neither they nor anyone else could remedy, and which should have been overlooked with a smile, if noticed at all.

There are many overly finicky people in the world, who groan over such trifling irritations. It is really ludicrous to hear the gravity with which some people will allude to the fact of the road being dusty, even alleging that as a reason for not going a walk; others are as much afraid of a shower; others of too much sunshine; some are terrified at the idea of being over-heated.

There is no end to these idle fancies and fears! If you laugh at these miserable people — then they think you are unfeeling. If you sympathize with them — then they multiply and increase their petty annoyances!

Let us all beware of making much of little irritations. Let us learn to laugh at them, remembering how very annoying such complaints are to others, as well as bothersome to ourselves.

A cheerful person who refuses to notice trifles or be aggravated by them — soon ceases to feel them! While to those who seem to find a perverse pleasure in dwelling on, and being daunted by them — these little discomforts will actually become real cares, and will eat out half the comfort of their lives!–Henrietta Wilson, 1852

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

There are many things in life we do not understand and we want an answer–yet God isn’t talking. Over and over again we ask “Why?”, but there is no explanation. We pray, but fail to receive what we want–does God not care? Indeed He does, but that doesn’t mean He gives us everything we want. J. R. Miller explained it like this:

Others have had those things mentioned above and were miserable. If granted to you, you would probably fare no better than they. It is so sad to see multitudes spending their lives in pursuit of things that can never satisfy and are of no eternal value. Christians should do better! Solomon chose wisely. He said, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people…”. He chose that which would enable him to fulfill God’s purpose for his life, and it was granted. God help us to do the same!

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?“James 2:5

He raised the poor from the dust, and the beggar from the dunghill; such were we by nature, but through rich grace we shall inherit the throne of glory. He has prepared for us, promised to us, and will bestow upon us a kingdom. A kingdom in which His glory will be seen, felt, and enjoyed for ever. In which all His riches of grace, mercy, and glory will be displayed. In which peace, joy, and pleasure will eternally reign. A kingdom which cannot be moved, and will never know a change. But who are the acknowledged heirs? The poor of this world, who are poor in spirit. The rich in faith, who believe in God, in Jesus, who exercise faith on the precious promises, and whose faith is proved to be good by the works they produce. Those who love God from a knowledge of His love to them, and as the effect of His love being shed abroad in their hearts, by the Holy Ghost. Am I an heir? Are you, my friend? If so, rejoice and be exceeding glad; imitate those who through faith and patience now inherit the promises, and the end will crown the whole.(James Smith, 1840)

There shall your eyes with rapture view
The glorious Friend who died for you;
That died to ransom, died to raise
To crowns of joy, and songs of praise;
Jesus, to Thee I breathe my prayer!
Reveal, confirm my interest there.