Contentment does not lie around the next corner. It is not waiting for us on the other side of today’s difficulty, nor is it lost with yesterday. Contentment is where God is, and God is with us today. Lydia Brownback
... for I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content. Philippians 4:11b
I’m a dreamer. I like ideas and brainstorming and planning. I love helping others figure out how to chase their dreams. But sometimes I get stuck in the dreaming and fail at the doing. I long for the big things of “someday” and lose sight of the daily beauty of now.
When I spent more time dreaming than doing I start battling discontentment. My thoughts swirl around what I wish would happen or what could be or where I might end up. Perhaps you have the same sort of thoughts?
Or maybe you are just exhausted by today … babies who don’t sleep well, teenagers who don’t listen, a job that doesn’t fulfill, a marriage that isn’t thriving, a church that’s hurting, a body that’s failing, a heart that’s breaking. Circumstances and situations can leave us wandering through the desert of discontent.
But here is the second big truth we need to accept if we want to live well — we can be content!
A few years ago I spent several months studying the book of Philippians. And this one phrase stuck out to me from Philippians 4:11 — for I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content. Paul said he learned to be content. That thought stayed with me because I wanted then {and now} to learn to be content.
Over the years, learning contentment has taken on several forms from counting the gifts in my life to memorizing Scripture. One of the verses I have found most helpful is Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Our discontent is often rooted in our fleshly desire to be like others, to conform to this world. The antidote to that desire is the renewal of our minds — time spent with the Lord and in His Word.
Friends, you can be content. Even though the message of this world is a constant barrage of things we need, what we ought to be and do, where we need to live and vacation, and on it goes … the truth is, in Jesus Christ we have all we need and more.
I challenge you to consider the areas of your life where you struggle with being content. Be honest about them and ask God to work on your heart. Just like Paul, we can learn to be content!
Where do you struggle the most with contentment?
Recommended Resources: {some of these are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you purchase through them}
- Being OK with Where You Are {book by Stacey Thacker}
- Small Changes for a Better Life {book by Elizabeth George}
- 31 Days of NOT Having It All {blog series by Erin of Home with the Boys}
Come back tomorrow as we explore the third truth of living well. And, if you haven’t go ahead and subscribe to make sure you receive each day’s post in your inbox. See you tomorrow!
Oh and all my 31 Days of Living Well posts will indexed here. Just in case you want to bookmark that page for easy reference.
Terri Lynn,
“When I spent more time dreaming than doing I start battling discontentment. My thoughts swirl around what I wish would happen or what could be or where I might end up.” This. This is so me. Thank you for these encouraging words. Loving this series!
P.S. Will you be at Allume this year? Look forward to meeting you if so. : )