Contentment. This word can cause a variety of different responses in just one group of people. It's something that has been on my heart and mind a lot lately.
Isn't it so easy to place our happiness on things, people and events? Isn't it so easy to tell ourselves, maybe even without realizing it, that we'll be happy just as soon as we have something or have someone?
We think it's easier to be joyful when we have what we want and our circumstances are good.
"I'll be happy once this season passes." Once this trial is over.
Once I have this job. Once I graduate. Once I get a relationship. Until I'm married. Not until I have kids will I be truly happy. Once I make more money. Once I buy this or that. Once my home looks better. Once it gets warmer. Once it gets more fresh. ENOUGH! Sorry, didn't mean to yell at you in caps lock or seem aggressive, but c'mon. It's like trying to chase the wind.
All those things are good gifts, but they are not meant to completely satisfy our souls. It's like we all have this God-sized hole that only He can fill. Trying to satisfy ourselves with "whatever's next" is an endless pursuit. It's like trying to fill an ocean with drops of water. When what we really need is for God to flood us with His being and fill us till we overflow. The things of this world will always leave us hungry if we are not satisfied in Christ.
I once read a quote that said...
As a rule, man's a fool
When it's hot, he want it cool
When it's cool, he wants it hot
Always wanting what it's not
It was spring, but it was summer I wanted,
The warm days, and the great outdoors.
It was summer, but it was fall I wanted,
The colorful leaves, and the cool, dry air.
It was fall, but it was winter I wanted,
The beautiful snow, and the joy of the holiday season.
It was winter, but it was spring I wanted,
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,
The freedom and respect.
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted,
To be mature, and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted,
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted,
The presence of mind without limitations.
My life was over, and I never got what I wanted.
The warm days, and the great outdoors.
It was summer, but it was fall I wanted,
The colorful leaves, and the cool, dry air.
It was fall, but it was winter I wanted,
The beautiful snow, and the joy of the holiday season.
It was winter, but it was spring I wanted,
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,
The freedom and respect.
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted,
To be mature, and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted,
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted,
The presence of mind without limitations.
My life was over, and I never got what I wanted.
What if...WHAT IF we were satisfied with where God has us at this PRESENT moment? What if we were satisfied with the way He made us and with the things He has given us? I just know His peace would flow so freely in a heart that is not full of discontentment.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I interviewed one of my friends about contentment in singleness. Her answers were of encouragement to me and I know they'll be to you as well.
*this is not the exact conversation word for word, it's just a summary.
Me: "What would you say has helped you be content in this time of singleness?"
Her: Definitely busying myself in serving God. But also... you know, we all want to have a companion, have a family of our own and have a home of our own. But something I asked myself recently is "what if there is no other season?" Would I be content serving God as a single? I don't want to see this as a "season" to just get over with and move on...
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Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
May our Lord Jesus help us to be truly content. Delight in Him, let Him be your sole heart's satisfaction. ❤️
PS. If you'd like to start being more content, but don't know where to begin...let me tell you the secret...start by counting your blessings. Be grateful for what you have and thank God for all He has done, what He's doing, and what's He will do!
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Learning to be content,
Jas
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