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  • The Secret of Contentment

    Posted on February 20th, 2014 rhonda No comments

    “I have learned the secret of being content

    in any and every situation . . . . “

    Philippians 4:12

    Years ago I was at Bible study, which we closed by taking prayer requests.  My request was that God give me the ability to be content in every situation.

    Instead of contentment, He told me to obey.  I ignored that for a long time.  When I finally started to practice obedience to God, life became a lot easier.  The Lord tells us that we should obey the “authorities” in our lives, because He allows them their authority.  He sent someone to tell me, “instead of asking why, ask how.  Instead of asking why do I have to do this or that, ask yourself how you can do it.”  Now when I’m told to do something, I attempt to do it immediately – and it’s easier.  Grumbling takes up a time & energy.  Immediate obedience is more efficient. 

    Isaiah 57:10 says “You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say ‘It is hopeless’.”  It’s tiring to always be thinking of my own solution, rather than taking the solution readily available.  Also, since God is omnipotent, omniscience, omnipresent & loving, His solution is always better than mine.  My solutions never got me what I ultimately wanted.  In fact, sometimes they created more problems.  Finally, I decided that my way is hopeless.

    Obedience means observing certain boundaries.  I used to think of boundaries as restrictive.  I’ve now learned that boundaries can be protective & they can take the stress out of decision-making when I know that some things are just off limits.  I can relax & feel calm, even when I’m really busy & there’s chaos around me.  That equals contentment.

     

    “Lord, you have assigned me my portion & my cup;

    you have made my lot secure.

    The boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places;

    surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

    Psalm 16:5-6