LEARNING TO BE CONTENT
Contentment in trouble times
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).KJV
Webster’s says “content” means “happy enough with what one has or is; not desiring something more or different; satisfied.”
How could Paul speak of contentment having endured beatings, stoning, shipwrecks and imprisonment?
The key comes in what Paul said previously. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7
Contentment in troubled time
Eleven years of our marriage my husband and I lived in two states. David had sensed God directing him to begin construction on a home for us. At completion my mom and I would join him. The ease and speed we envisioned never materialized.
During this time, people looking on grew confused and discontentment became our frequent visitor. Others wanted (as we did also) me to move to the house my husband was building. Or it would have been nice if he were to abandon the project and move back in with me and my mom.
Troubled Times Determine to follow God’s Direction
We had to follow God’s directions for each of us. We set our faces like flint and determined to obey God no matter what.
God meanwhile brought about character development in us. We became more resilient, less dependent while leaning more on God. Contentment consisted of resting in the Lord and drawing on His strength while doing what we could to move our plans forward step by step.
Contentment is encouragement in the Lord.
Once David the psalmist and his men returned home only to find their town had been burned to the ground and their families had been kidnapped. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (I Samuel 30:6).
Regardless of what’s going on in your life today please encourage yourself in the Lord. God makes the difference between not being able to go on and having strength to face tomorrow.
Shirley Logsdon
Further Reading:
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2018/10/03/lessons-from-the-water-plant/
