Contentment
by adustyframe ~ March 1st, 2007Last summer, the Lord dealt with my husband and myself to be content.
He is dealing with me about this matter again.
I want to obey. I know I am supposed to thank God in all things.
God also doesn’t ask me to do something that he won’t equip me to do.
I am asking for his help to thank him for these situations.
A few weeks ago, I knelt at my couch as tears poured down my face. I sobbed my heart out praying for God to provide. The Biblical principle “In everything give thanks” came to mind.
I prayed, “God I am thankful that I am so broke I can’ t pay my bills. Help me to be thankful and help me to trust.”
To those who don’t know God, I’m sure that sounds ridiculous. Is there anything to be thankful about in this?
Yes, I’m seeing God move on my behalf.
My faith is deepening.
I can thank him for each bill that is paid–for every customer that shops at my store.
However, the Bible doesn’t say to be content or thankful IF I can see why.
I greatly dislike being a single parent for many reasons. I look forward to the day that our family is reunited.
BUT God has put me here right now. I need to be thankful. I need to know that this is his plan. I need to acknowledge that he has what is best for us in store.
I thought about women in my circle today. One has a lot of children. One has a sick family. One is about to birth a disabled child. I have an absent husband.
Most of us are complaining to much. Myself included. I look at the one with lots of children and see her blessings. I see how God moves in her life.
I look at the one about to birth a disabled child and cringe at the horrible things she is complaining about. I wish she would acknowledge God’s moving in their lives.
I wonder who looks at me and wishes I would be content. Who sees God move in my life and cringes when I complain or vent or whine? (Being honest)
I want to be content in this.
This day, this hour, this trial–THIS is what God has given me now. I should not wish it away.
I do grieve for the things we’ve been through. I grieve for the dreams that are lost. I grieve for all that we are missing.
And yet, God asks me to be content.
Content:
- Desiring no more than what one has; satisfied.
- Ready to accept or acquiesce; willing:
Please pray for me to truly obey God in this matter. I don’t know that I can ever say “This is great. I love this trial.” But I need to have a spirit of contentment.
I need to obey.
March 1st, 2007 at 12:17 am
Being content can be such a trying thing to learn but for me I found that when we dropped down from two wages to one, 3/4 of it went to the house mortgage and we basically had to live on virtually very little but I tell ya, having no money soon teaches you how to handle it and because of that I slowly learned how to be content with what I had and what I was given.
March 1st, 2007 at 12:45 am
Thank you for your honesty. My hubby and I just prayed quite a similar prayer just this past week. Surgery has put a strain on our budget. God will provide the finances we need as our portion of payment comes due. I have come to claim a verse in Psalm 119:31 in times like this. Psalm 119:31 I have stuck (cleave) unto thy testimones: O Lord, put me not to shame. I claimed this in 1984-1994 now in 2007. He doesn’t want our testimony or us to be put to shame. Love you sis in Christ. Your life continues to bless us. Praying for you.
March 1st, 2007 at 1:31 am
Dear God, I ask You to fill Lizzie right now with Your peace. Show her that contentment as she desires, which is also as You desire, is a process … something she learns a little at a time … it builds upon itself … as the lessons she teaches her son as she homeschools him. Fill her with Your strength, and enable her to reach the level of contentment that THIS layer of life has presented to her. I love You, Ame
March 1st, 2007 at 8:26 am
No matter how you feel, I must assure you that your blog does not come across as that of a whiney or discontented woman. A woman who struggles -yes. A woman who hurts- yes, a woman who is looking to God and learning from Him- Yes.
I am rubbish at contentment. I suppose because it is in smaller issues I don;t see it that clearly. If my fnances get lower I will have to be on my knees everyday for fear I will start to moan. Have you seen Sallies posts about what she has learnt in 40 years> One in particular stood out this week- that we will not grow and develop as the Lord’s children without suffering. I think I have many things to learn in this life and I pray I may have the grace that you have been given to bear whatever the Lord will bring.
March 1st, 2007 at 8:27 am
I’m kneeling right beside you.
Hang on tight to His hand.
March 1st, 2007 at 9:42 am
Found this today when I am not feeling very content or joyful in anything. In fact I am sitting here in tears as I read you post. Bless you for your honesty, bless you for sharing because it addressed all that I am struggling with.
Continued prayers for your dear family.
In Him,
March 1st, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Thanks for letting us know how we can pray. Contentment. Can we trade prayers? I need patience.
March 1st, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Lizzie,
Praying for you to find peace and contentment this evening. Thank you for being honest and sharing your struggles with us.