"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
Humans are fickle. We experience many moments of contentment but, they fade just as quickly as they came. When they fade we begin our quest to find the next thing to fill our void and to again return us to a state of contentment. We pursue vacations, material things, a change of scenery, a good self-help book, a friend's encouragement or advice, a fun getaway, spending money, eating, a thrill, a new hobby, a new relationship, etc. Eventually though, contentment always fades and thus the cycle continues until we learn to recognize it. So, how does one remain content in circumstances that one cannot change? How does one learn to be still and not chase down the next momentary high in effort to find contentment once again? How does one find lasting contentment in all of life's seasons?
I've always known the answer to these questions but, knowing an answer in my head and living it out are two very different things. I think God is trying to teach me the latter. Just saying something doesn't make it so and it certainly won't change a heart or attitude. Only God can change a heart and as he changes a heart, the attitude and actions of a person naturally begin to change as well. I believe that the bible verse referenced above is absolutely true; the answer to being content in any situation is to rely fully on the Lord and to allow Him to be your strength. Our strength fades. Our contentment fades. Our moods and desires are always changing and they are as unsteady as the winds but, He is sure and steady. He is light and truth and He is peace. Lasting contentment is found in Him alone.
-Help me Jesus to cling to you for my strength and to seek you alone for my contentment. Help me to rest in you and to trust you. I will be strengthened by reading your word and by coming to you in prayer and I will grow by spending more time with you. Remind me Lord to spend more time with you for it is in that time alone with you that all the noise of life and all the cares of this world fade into the background and it is just you and me and your everlasting peace and joy.
My little peanut is almost 2!
It was a jammy kind of day;-)
Amen!! I need to post that around my house and at 4 oclock every day look at it...seems to be my bad time of day:-) Love your photos and Daisy is getting bigger and bigger! March is a good month to have a birthday!
ReplyDeleteContentment - a big struggle here. Great photos. Love the cookie in the shot a bribe perhaps :-)
ReplyDeleteKaylin was building the same kind of towers out of the exact same blocks just last week. Looks like Daisy was having a lot of fun with hers, they try so hard to make it work!! :) Contentment doesn't come easy for me ether. Defiantly a day to day struggle.
ReplyDeleteLove jammy days! She is so sweet Casey, can't believe she is going to be two soon!
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