To be content 24/7


Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. (Philippians 4:11-14)

"None of us can control the environment of our lives completely. We try of course, and take every precaution to insult ourselves against external shocks. Nevertheless, accidents on the road stop traffic; storms crash down trees, biopsies come back positive. Th list is endless: flat tires, power outages, layoffs at work, sprained ankles, sick children." (a)

Have you ever really thought about what Paul was writing in the verses above — no matter the situation, sunny bright days or sitting beside a sick child, we must be CONTENT IN ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES. To be content when life is good is easy, but to remain content when life is falling apart is so much harder and most of us fail dismally. 

However, we cannot and do not do this alone — in fact God never wanted us to struggle with contentment alone, He wants us to always lean on Him and find our contentment through Christ who strengthens us. The list of Paul's trials are daunting, but he had within him an internal "fountain of sufficiency from God, whether he was well fed or hungry, living in plenty or in want" (a)

So the next time things go pear-shaped (car accident, money issues, problems with the children or illness), remember that God is both a powerful and loving God and His plans are always good and right. We may not understand the reasons at the time, but we must trust in God and find contentment through His strength. 

Many Christian women bloggers recommend to working women to pray constantly so they can come home full-time to where they belong. I have prayed earnestly and still find myself working and it was at this point that I realised that God's plans for me were different to others and for some reason He has placed me outside of the home working in an office rather than at home. I have learnt to accept this and have found contentment in God's plans for me.  Someday I will fully understand God's plan but in the meantime, I will do my very best to please Him and be content in ALL things.  

If we want to have 24/7 joy, we must not see joy only coming from good things, we need to learn to extend our joy and contentment to include the not so good and the downright nasty. 

I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.


(a) sourced from "Contentment: The Secret to a Lasting Calm" by Richard A. Swenson


Comments

  1. Sometimes when I find it hard to be content, I cut off all outside influences. I "circle the wagons". Being alone with God, listening to hymns and praying. Also, serving others, helps me to not look at myself or my problems.

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  2. Amen! It is hard but I try to remember to be conten.....I feel I am but get to worrying a little. Like this post

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    1. It takes time and none of us arrive at "contentment" over night :)) Just keep heading in the right direction :))

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  3. I loved this! Jo you're an awesome encourager. I'm at home, but it's not without a lot of struggles financially. I love the way your writing fits ladies at home and ladies at work.
    Well done!
    Blessings,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. Thankyou - I think it is SO important to be welcoming and encouraging to all our Christian sisters who are doing such a great job often under difficult situations. Have a wonderful day :)

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  4. I can't comment weather it is God's will or your Husand's choice for you to work outside the home, but as you illustrated through Paul's writings we are to be content where ever we find ourselves. God can and will use us in any environment to promote his Kingdom and show His love to others if we avail ourselves. To live like this is to walk in Christianity. Although I know it is a blessing to be at home full time I also know that you are also blessed in the work place because where ever you are so is the Lord.

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    1. Even though I am at work - God has made sure that I do have a good balance between work and home and that I can manage my home, meals and chores without exhaustion. I praise Him everyday for the blessings He has given me.

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  5. Beautiful post.

    "...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content..."

    This is such a great lesson to continue to learn through our lives. When we focus on Christ instead of our circumstances we will become content.

    Thanks for sharing. I'm visiting form the 'Wise Woman' link-up.

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    1. Focusing on our problems doesn't solve them and often just brings misery and sadness :) There is always a reason to be happy and joyful, even when you are doing something you may not wish too :)

      Thankyou for your visit :)

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  6. This was such a good read.
    It truly is important to seek contentment even in the rough times!
    Like you said contentment in the good times is easy, but contentment when things are rough isn't. Thank you Lord for Grace and learning opportunities!

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    1. Thankyou Desiree - contentment takes time but when found it is a wonderful place to be :) God bless .

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  7. A good reminder, Jo.
    A verse I have been reminding myself of lately is "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee" (Isaiah 26:3).
    Contentment is impossible without peace, so that verse is one I try to remind myself of and obey. I must think on the Lord, and I must trust Him, and then I can have perfect peace and the contentment that comes with it.

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    1. I think perfect peace and contentment is perhaps a life time's worth of lessons - it certainly needs to be worked on.

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