This psalm is one of the best psalms in the Bible on contentment in the family. It shows us how to have true, godly contentment in our homes. I believe one of the worst things to happen to homes was when moms were made to feel like they were not successful unless they had a career outside the home, or when, due to finances they had to go to work to help support the family. My Opinion: (And I believe the Bible supports it) One of the greatest stabilizing factors in the home is a faithful, godly mother raising her children in the home. That should not be degrading to any Christian mother! From the very beginning this has been God’s will. In Genesis 2:18 we read, “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” "Help" is from a word that means to surround, i.e. protect or aid. "Meet" refers to the opposite part; (from a word that means) to stand boldly out opposite. Wives, women are not supposed to try to be men, and men are not to try to be women. First Corinthians 11:3 gives God’s order for the home, and godly wives are supposed to support godly husbands in leading the home, especially in spiritual matters. I have a great respect for any wife/mother who has to work outside the home and then comes home to work inside the home. Unfortunately, and maybe because we humans become discontented with what God gives us and want more of what the world offers, we become discontented in our homes. What is contentment? It is an inner sufficiency that keeps us at peace in spite of outward circumstances. It has the idea of being self contained. (When they send a space shuttle up, it has to be self-contained. They can’t run to Walmart or the convenience store if they need something.) Contentment is NOT complacency, “laid back,” or self-satisfied. It is not necessarily learning to “do without” certain things only. You can have possessions and not be content. (Why do the wealthy often have to have more?) And, we can not have possessions and still be content. In Philippians 4:11-12 – The Apostle Paul had learned how to be content. One more quick thought. The Bible does not say it is wrong to have material possessions (See Deuteronomy 8:18 -- what God said to Israel) (See Psalm 35:27.) “Prosperity” is not in material goods only. It can come in other ways. I am prosperous. I have God in my life, health, faithful children, a church that loves me, etc. It does not take either poverty or wealth to learn contentment. It takes true faith in God. This morning from Psalm 128 we will see:

  I.  WHAT DESTROYS FAMILY CONTENTMENT?

 II.  WHAT DEFINES FAMILY CONTENTMENT?

III. WHAT DEVELOPS FAMILY CONTENTMENT?