For this week’s Worship Wednesday, Stacey shares with us some encouraging words on finding contentment no matter what circumstances we face in this life.
No Matter What
Content. In a state of peaceful happiness. A state of satisfaction. Pleased. Fulfilled. Happy. Cheerful. Glad. Unworried. Untroubled. At ease. At peace. Tranquil. Serene.
Wow. Those words paint such a vivid picture of what it means to be content don’t they.
I love those kinds of days when everything is peaceful, I don’t have a worry or care in the world. Those Snow White days where birds chirp and I sing while I clean up around the house. My prayers on those days reflect nothing but gratitude for the day he has made and allowed me to wake up to. I am relaxed, full of joy, and pretty content.
Let’s get real though.
Most days don’t resemble Snow White days. We wake up too early and all we can think about is making coffee and snuggling under a blanket on the couch to try to be productive humans. Or we wake up too late. Get stuck in traffic trying to get on post. Spill said coffee before even a sip touches our lips. Someone cuts us off in traffic. Then there are the bigger things. Anxiety, stress of life, stress at work, stress at home, transitions, empty nest syndrome, feeling not enough, I could go on and on. Those things don’t exactly conjure up visions of tranquility and happiness. We often end up feeling worried and preoccupied with our troubles instead of focusing on the One who calls us to live untroubled and unworried.
Easier Said Than Done
In Philippians, Paul tells us that He has 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 all this through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13
I don’t know about you but I find that quite challenging. Wait a minute Paul, you mean to tell me that in the midst of all this moving and transition I need to be content? That in searching for new friends, grieving feelings of loss, missing my son, and … the list could carry on forever. You mean in all of that, I am supposed to feel glad? I am supposed to be at peace. I am supposed to be satisfied in those circumstances.
What is it for you? What makes you go, “pshhhh,” when you read those words from Paul? Content? With this? In this?
Testimony Through Trials
The truth is, we are called to contentedness. We are to draw our strength from the only One who holds it in the palm of his hand. We are to take our grief, feelings of loss, and frustrations over contract disputes on a house we’re attempting to sell to him. Yes, even those we are to return to the Father. We need to ask him to be our constant companion when we feel lonely. To ask him to intervene and settle our disputes. And to ask him to ease our grief and remove our worry.
It isn’t easy.
It is an intentional act I am just now being obedient to choose. I sometimes wish I had heard this truth earlier in my life like before my mom died, before my brother went to prison, or before my husband got sick. But then, I wouldn’t have the testimony or the strength I have now to be obedient if I had heard it earlier.
Just like you, my beloved, YOU wouldn’t have your testimony if it weren’t for the trials.
See, God works things out in his own time. He knows when we need to hear things, when we need certain people in our lives to speak his truth, and what must occur to cause that obedience and contentment. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it and we are growing every single day because of it.
We are called to be content no matter what.
Whether the house sells or not. Bodily healing for loved ones or not. Parole or not. A parent’s presence or painful absence. Prince Charming or not. Achingly empty arms, full house, or empty nest. Prodigals returning or not. Dream duty station or not. Watching our children pursue their purpose or not. Forever home or awaiting orders. Next door or thousands of miles from your family of origin. Just starting your military journey or retired. We can be content because no matter what, he goes before us and is always with us. So come alongside me, sweet sisters, as we grow to be content in all of our circumstances.
Because he is holding us, no matter what.
I pray you will find contentment no matter your circumstances and that all will be well with your soul and that this song would encourage you.
