Hmm, good word huh? Content! Satisfied, fullfilled. Not longing for something more. Happy with what you have. At peace with all things in your life. Proclaiming your thankfulness for what and where God has you in life. So, how ya doing? Are you feeling content with life? Well, I’m not here to step on any toes, but……do you need a boost in the contentment area? Me too!
Life is so unpredictable! I have no clue where the darts come from sometimes. But I’ve been the target more times than I can count for discouragement and hopelessness. Maybe that’s just a weak spot for me and satan knows it. All I know is that I want to be content and happy with life….but stuff happens! I bet it happens to you too.
Paul understood tough times. He was a servant that took a licking and kept on ticking. The man was in prison (and I’m not talking conditions that can be found in today’s prisons), he was stoned…so badly stoned that they drug his body out to the dump because they thought he was dead. Paul knew what it was like to be hungry, cold, tired, shipwrecked, & beaten over and over. He was misunderstood, mistreated, forsaken, forgotten, abused, attacked and left for dead. Oh brother! and this is the guy who talks about being content in Philippians 4:11.
I only know a tiny bit about suffering…..but nothing like the apostle Paul. My life is a bed of roses compared. I feel foolish ever whining when I think of what my Lord suffered for me or Paul for the sake of the gospel. (God, I’m made of flesh….forgive me!?!) Can you relate? Are there things in your life that have you completely baffled and discontent? I’m sure there are. Thankfully, as a follower of Christ we have God’s grace. Remember: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
Having a wonderful life is not part of the Christian creed. Our happiness is not God’s chief aim. Stuff will happen, things will not go as we hope or plan. We will feel pain and rejection, we’ll experience loss and failure. If we allow it…we will grow more like Him through our struggles. Oh but that’s hard to swallow when we are suffering. My prayer for you is that God would give you some perspective. Like Paul, how can you manage your situation? Is there some way to know what it is to be in need and yet feel content? Read more on Paul. His life story is inspirational. Perspective….
Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Listen to these words by Nicol Sponberg (former member of group Selah & mother that lost 3 month old son Luke to SIDS this year).
Very beautiful! Perspective.