At the beginning of this year, I chose a word. A word that felt out of reach. A word that seemed too hard to obtain. Too unrealistic in this world.
A word that I asked God to teach me.
Contentment.
It’s easier for us in the happy times. It’s easier for us to laugh, to live, and to praise the Lord. It’s easier for us to give thanks. It’s easier for us to see the joy, the beauty, and the blessings. It’s easier for us to achieve contentment.
But what about the difficult times? The times when we’re unhappy? What about the mundane times? Or the times when things didn’t go our way?.
We tend to let our level of satisfaction revolve around our circumstances.
When we don’t feel content, we replace our current circumstances with different circumstances. We get rid of things to buy more things. We quit our jobs to find more fulfilling jobs.
But this year, I learned contentment will never be found in a circumstance. The only path to contentment is God’s lead.
Whether or not we change careers, buy new things, or start a family, our real purpose will still be in Christ alone.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. – Philippians 4:11
As you look back on this year, and I mean truly reflect on it, you’ll see. You’ll see the mercies sprinkled throughout. You’ll see His guidance and His help in your life. You’ll see His hand was holding yours the entire time.
As you study His word, you’ll remember. You’ll remember who Jesus is. You’ll remember that God has placed you where you are for a purpose. You’ll remember He has given you all you need to fulfill His purpose. You’ll remember who you are in Christ.
As you keep moving forward in your walk, you’ll learn. You’ll learn more about God. You’ll learn more about His character, and His sweet nature. You’ll learn contentment.
When we align ourselves with God and His word, our satisfaction isn’t fazed when our circumstances change. When our full hope, comfort, and trust is in the Lord, our hearts remain full, even when we do not get what we want.
We will never find true contentment in possessions, people, or circumstances, because they were never meant to fulfill us.
So, let us change our perspective:
But Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. – 1 Timothy 6:6
Contentment isn’t found in anyone or anything else. It’s a gift that is found in Christ alone.
Eloquently beautiful ❣️✨
I think I was 50 years old before someone identified this quality in me. It was one of the greatest realizations and compliments anyone had ever paid me. I think it took 50 years to be noticed because it took about that long for me to hone it; contentment does not come naturally! You are learning such wise morsels at a much younger age.