Are you content? I heard this question posed in conversation the other day and it got me to thinking. What does it mean to be content?
Contentment isn’t being happy. It doesn’t come from buying a new car, or house, or getting a promotion at work. It’s usually described as being satisfied in all circumstances in life, regardless of what’s happening. It’s not about having everything you want, and perhaps it may not be about having everything you need. But it is about knowing that God will walk with you always, no matter what the circumstances might be.
Philippians 4:11-13 says, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
We all know it’s easy to be content when things are going smoothly and there are no big decisions on the horizon, but how hard is it to say, “I’m content” when it feels as if everything is falling apart? When it appears God is silent, when we pray. When the decisions we face can affect those we love, whether it be a new job, a move, or a health issue.
In All Things Be Grateful. . .
Keep close to God through everything. It’s okay to pour out what you’re feeling to God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7
Keep Your Focus on Jesus. . .
No matter how deep the waters of fear and discontentment get, don’t take your focus off Jesus.
John 16:33 says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on Earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Shut Out The Fear And The Voices Around You And Listen. . .
It’s okay to seek advice from those around us who we trust, but the ultimate authority on what is best for us is God. Listen for His answer.
Psalm 5:3 says, In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
We all go through those moments when our life feels as if it’s completely unraveling, and it’s hard to find contentment. In those moments, I try to look back on my life and see all the times past where I felt this way and I see how God worked a way out perfectly, even when I didn’t see a way.
Being content when things aren’t going well isn’t easy, but if we wait and pray and listen for God to respond, at just the right time, He will.
Many blessings dear friends!
Mary
Christians Read 