Don't Fret...Be Content!

There is an old story about an older couple having dinner in a restaurant. The wife sees another couple about their age sitting in a booth nearby. She sees the husband sitting close to his wife, with his arm around her. He is whispering things in her ear, and she is smiling and blushing. He’s gently rubbing her shoulder and touching her hair.

The woman turns to her husband and says, "Look at the couple over there. Look how close that man is to his wife, how he’s talking to her. Look at how sweet he is. Why don’t you ever do that?"

Her husband looks up from his Caesar salad and glances over at the next booth. Then he turns to his wife and says, "Honey, I don’t even know that woman!"   -Eggerichs, E. (2010). Love and respect. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

For the most part, we live in a world of discontented people. Sadly, it's even possible to be saved, have much in this world, and still not be content. Rather than living lives of grateful contentment, our lives are often filled with complaining. Like folks say where I come from, we “whine, pine and recline.”

We complain when children are noisy, instead of being thankful that they are healthy, happy and in right mind. We complain about our home, when thousands are homeless. We gripe about work, when many have no jobs. We groan about our cars, when many have never seen a car. Why? We've never learned the secret of contentment!

Let me share something with you. There are secrets to satisfaction and the Apostle Paul knew all about them. Yes, that's correct! He knew the secrets and shares them with us in the following verses from Philippians 4.

Secret #1: Rejoice in your substance (Philippians 4:10, 12). God knows your needs. God will meet our needs in unusual ways. He may send it directly, or He could send it from Heaven like He did the Manna, but He often chooses to use us, so that we can get a blessing, too.

Additionally, He may meet our need through others. In other words, when God lays something on your heart, do it! When you have an opportunity to do good, take it (Galatians 6:10)! And, regardless of what God provides, rejoice in it (Philippians 4:12).

Secret #2: Rest in your situation (Philippians 4:11). This can mean that you might find yourself in a difficult situation, but you're still content. What does it mean to be contented? First of all, it doesn't mean self-satisfaction!  We should never settle for less than our best.

Nor does it mean self-sufficiency, or “to be enough in one’s self.”  These are those who are moved by nothing outside themselves. They are completely independent of all things and people. They need nothing and no one; not church, God, or the Bible!

Then, what does it mean to be contented? It is self-surrender, meaning “to be self-contained; to have all needed within.” This is the essence of God-dependence! This allows us to accept our situation. It allows us to adapt to our situation.

Adversity proves Jesus to be true riches; plenty proves Jesus to be greater than riches. We are able to appropriate, or take advantage of our situation. Every event in life becomes an opportunity to make Jesus known!

Secret #3: Realize your strength (Philippians 4:13). Paul doesn't say “I can’t.” That's the language of pessimism. This means that churches can’t grow, or be great for God. Christians can’t witness, pray, or be effective.

Neither does Paul say “I can.” That's the language of presumption. For example, people say, “I can run my own life! I don't need God, the church or the Bible. I'm the captain of my own soul and the master of own fate.” Instead he said “I can…through Christ.” That's the language of power.  This is dynamic contentment; this is dynamic Christian life.

This is victory over every temptation; grace for every trouble; strength for every task. Jesus gives us power to face life’s adversities. He gives the power to cope. He gives the power to enjoy contentment regardless of the circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7).  People succumb, submit, or surrender because they can’t cope. He gives you the power to face anything that comes your way with true contentment!

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-12; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Luke 12:15; Psalm 37:3-5; James 4:2; Psalm 37:16

Prayer: Dear Father, I know I can be difficult at times. Please forgive me and all the wrongs I have done. I am far from perfect, but I am trying to live my life according to your will. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Elise