I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:12
Thoughts~
As I drove home from dinner at a nice restaurant with two long time friends, I had plenty of time to reflect on our evening. I’d spent a very fun evening sharing food and friendship in a beautiful setting where flowers graced the white linen table cloths and soft music filled the air. I talked to the Lord on the way home and thanked Him for an extra special night and an opportunity to share my faith a little bit.
Generally I do not go out to eat at “nicer” restaurants like I did when I was married and I miss those times. Yet, I know that because it's not an everyday happening for me, I was able to appreciate the evening even more. Over the past 8+ years God has taught me that I need to be content in all situations and know I am exactly where He wants me right now.
A wise friend shared with me that "if God wanted me somewhere else, I'd be there." Those words have played an important reminder over the years and helped me so much as I wait for God to move in my life.
Contentment was a tough lesson for me at first since I am a rather independent woman and tend to take the steering wheel much too often, thinking God needs my help. (Oh, brother!).
While I am not a puppet that God maneuvers, I have given up control and asked Him to guide me as I wait in one spot or another. In these spots, while I'm waiting, I've learned what contentment looks like. It is fully trusting Him, knowing He will move mountains to get me into the place where He wants me.
I am perfectly content in my current life; as God knows, I am willing to accept whatever He gives to me. Like Paul, I have had plenty and now have far less. And yet, my faith carries me like a ship in the ocean; staying on course in my walk with the Lord.
Contentment has come to reside in my life forever.
Actions~
Words that are the opposite of the word contentment are:
Unhappiness
Disgruntled
Discontented
Dissatisfied
Restlessness
Those negative words make me cringe; when they try to sneak back into my life, knocking on the front door or running around to the backdoor, demanding to be let in, I start praying immediately for God's Spirit to fill me with contentment in the place I am currently in.
Additionally, I have learned to recognize how there are people who have so much negativity that I need to stay clear of them. They seem to want to breed discontentment rather than build me up as I practice trusting God daily.
Have any of the words made a home in your life? Get rid of them today. Ask God to teach you how to be content in all things. He is such a great teacher and wants you to live in a day to day, moment by moment state of contentment.
Finally, contentment brings peace and peace brings joy and all of it brings glory to God.
Pray~
Father, I know how much You love us and thank You for showing us how to trust in You and embrace contentment.
Trusting in Him,
Becky
