The Secret of Contentment

 





by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
For I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. (Philippians 4:11b) SFLB

I am often discontent even when all is going well. Consequently, I wonder how it is possible to be truly content during the most difficult times.  This is especially true when there seems to be no end in sight.  These are the times I ask myself, “What is genuine contentment?”  Before you know it, I have allowed my circumstances to cheat me out of the peace. It’s usually when I cannot change my situation that I feel discontentment.

In Philippians 4: 4-13, Paul shows us how he became content. No worries or frustrations about anything.  As long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things actually work out, it’s not contentment.  Contentment depends on how I respond to certain thing when those feelings of uncertainty grip me. Paul tells us in how he went through many situations that were painful and seemingly hopeless (2Corn.11:24-30).  He learned the secret. He couldn’t dependent upon his circumstances or his feelings.  In order to know God’s peace that surpasses all understanding, he had to trust God and turn those circumstances over to him (Philippians 4:6-7).

Think about a situation in your life that you would change if you could. Is it painful and keeping you focused on the fact that you don’t like it? Choose to give it to God. Choose to wait until he changes it.

Thinking on these things helped me to move past discontentment a lot easier.  Now, instead of allow Satan to rob me of my peace, I persevere until God accomplishes in me whatever it he wants to. I choose to submit to him because he is trustworthy and loving. No fears or worries will have power. God has my best interest at heart. He tells me to not let my heart be troubled, just believe in him (John 14;10). I have nothing to lose. Amen

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank you that we can trust you no matter what state we find ourselves in. Thank you for caring and giving us peace and rest while you work in our lives.  Please help us to learn to be content in a way that gives us your peace.   In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take the next step:
If you are feeling angry, frustrated and out of control, choose to give it to God.  He is your source of peace.  Draw from him while you wait. His peace is available to you.