Sunday, 27 September 2009
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Discovering Paul's Secret to Contentment
by Samantha Krieger
Contentment. I’m learning a lot about its meaning lately. God is doing a lot in our life as a family. We’ll be moving in less than two weeks from our 1200 sq. ft. apartment to a 780 sq. ft. apartment! We are ending our two year commitment as a CARES Team serving the residents in our apartment community through meals and events. We’ll be entering a new season of living on campus at Jeremiah’s seminary, Dallas Theological. It’s really going to be a good move for our family and there will be lots of young families to interact with who are all pursuing full-time ministry.
A lot of change is happening really soon and the temptation can be to worry and not be present in the moment. But I really want to be content. To not compare myself to others with what they’re doing or where they’re at, to not wish I had more money or more things, to not wonder how great it would be to be somewhere else, or to not wish John was older or I was younger.
The apostle Paul said:
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:11-13)
Paul was no different than us. A lot of people put him on this huge pedestal, but he was simply a normal, imperfect man touched by a divine, perfect God. He allowed God to infuse his life.
So what exactly is Paul’s secret to contentment? He learned it. It didn’t happen in his sleep or in a few short days. God put circumstances in his life to teach him to trust and to depend on God. So whether he was rich or poor, well-fed or hungry, he gave glory to God because his joy and happiness didn’t depend on life’s happenings.
This gives me great hope today- that I can learn to be content too as God works in my heart.
How have you learned to be content? If you haven't, how do you plan to become content?
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Comments (7)
So where does the dog picture come into all this? :)
To answer Brandon_thewriter, I think the dog looks quite content. :) It's a challenge to be content and confident with whatever life throws our way. I agree with you that it's something we learn. Obstacles and struggles are blessings. School can be difficult at times but we study and learn because it makes us stronger. Life is like a big school. From another perspective children get sick. They get measles and chicken pox, mumps, ear aches and stomach flus. It's not a lot of fun for them but if you raise a child in an antiseptic bubble to protect it from all of those germs and afflictions the resulting adult will die once it steps out into the world.
Just like Paul, our present situation may not be to our likingh. Perhaps we are dissatisfied and discouraged. Like Paul we need to put the matter in God's hands.
Now this is the important point. If God wants you elsewhere, He will lead you there, providing you are amenable to His will.
Let's say, He wants you where you are. In that case, He will help you to adjust to the situation. God will make you content, even gratefull for present opportunities.
What we have to continue to do is, learn the great art of doing the best we can, with what yo have, where you are.
So, when we do this, we learn how to reach the better condition, or haow to make our present situation a better one.
I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
Experience. Life here in this short period of eternity (is, could be, should be, can be, has been) a string of Faith building experiences put before us to choose from IF.. we are Faithful to continue to trust in Him.
Another way of saying, "Bloom where you are planted". If God wants you elsewhere, He will transplant you. Always good to be done where you are.
@AnchoressNun@xanga - I really like that! Also, I read those verses last summer before they took on significant meaning for me.
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