Contentment hasn’t always been easy for me, maybe not for you either. You know the phrase, “the grass is always greener on the other side?” Who doesn’t look at the life of someone else and think why them and not me? Who doesn’t wish that they had the greener grass in some ways?
We’re all looking for a bit greener grass these days. Our lives, as we know it, have changed dramatically since mid-March. Everyone is wishing for a bit of a different life than what we have now. We would love to go back to some of our freedoms that we took for granted. It is so grievous to hear of so many lives affected by tragedy and loss with COVID-19. Many are suffering from lack of work, income and ability to carry on their normal lives. Lives are forever changed.
Paul, in the Bible, would understand our challenging times. He wrote these penetrating words “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 everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13) Paul was speaking on contentment from prison. Let that sink in….. from prison. Most of us wouldn’t be super content if hanging out in prison each day. But Paul had an inner sense of peace that came from being right with God. Paul knew that God was in control of all that happened to Him. He didn’t allow his difficult circumstances to effect Him like we often do. He was confidant that God was for him and would see him through. As I study Paul’s writings, I learn so much from His mindset, attitude, courage and perseverance amidst his trials!
God prepared the life that you are currently living just for YOU! Examine God’s blessings on your life today. There are many! Thank Him for what you do have and trust Him for what you lack. Stop searching for the greener grass. Tell God your hurts and pains and ask Him to help you find contentment in Him. He will see you through.
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
“The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.” Chuck Swindoll
“True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it. It is arduous and it is rare. “ G. K. Chesterton
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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