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Contentment is the ability to be satisfied with where one is in life. It is the willingness to praise God for the here and
now, regardless of our present situation. It is indeed, the ability to find happiness and joy in any given situation, because
God is with us. But how does one find this contentment? And, even if we do find it, how do we hold onto it when bad things
happen?
Five years ago, my baby girl died. For two years, I have been on a roller coaster in search of this so-called “contentment.”
For two years, I would catch a glimpse of hope. And sometimes, I would even feel a little joy. But contentment was nowhere
to be found. I was in turmoil over what was and what could never again be. So what gives me the right to speak to you on the
subject of contentment? The only thing that gives me the right to speak to you on the subject of contentment is my personal
experience and the assurances that the Lord gives each of us, in His word. But nevertheless, it is something that God wants
us all to learn. For Philippians 4:11 puts it best, “For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am in.”
Notice that it says, “I have learned.” Contentment is not something that happens naturally, it is something that we learn
and make a conscious effort to have.
Regardless of the many hardships we have to endure, God really is an awesome God. And as unjust and unfair as it may seem
at times, God knows what He is doing. God allows things to happen in our lives to test our faith, to develop our character,
to develop perseverance, and to help us learn that we are only complete when we lean on Him. I believe 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
puts it best; we often get messages from God, as thorns in our sides, from Satan himself, to keep us from getting all puffed
up and proud, to the point that we no longer rely on Christ, but on ourselves (or others). For you see, God’s power works
best in our weakness. And who should know better than I?
When my daughter died, God poured out His love and began working wonders in the lives around us. My mother, the skeptic,
saw the glory of God through His people’s actions, and in turn sought out this God of mercy and began to lean upon Him and
not her own understanding. And my husband, who was so convinced that man was only out for himself grew a soft heart, as the
church and community poured out their heartfelt compassion. My husband grew to understand who God really was and not what he
thought God was not.
And, I was always trying to be the perfect one, doing all the “right and godly” things. I did not realize that it was only
God who was in control. Since that time, I have had to change my attitude and way of thinking, and add a little compassion
all the while learning to delete the sorrow and bitterness.
Philippians 4:13 says that whether we have much or little, are hungry or full, have cause to rejoice or cause to throw a
self-pity party, the secret of life is to rely on Christ Jesus. We are to allow Christ to become our strength, and our
source for getting up each morning. We are to allow Christ the ability to work through us and our circumstances.
So, how can you and I learn to be content? By following the six “T’s”:
- TRUST God: knowing that He will never give you more than you can handle and that He is only out for your best interests.
- TAKE Action: read, meditate, and pray the words of the Bible
- TRUST God’s Timing: give up your control on things, surrender your will to God, and allow Him to steer your paths,
all the while having patience to wait on Him.
- TRUST Others: to lesson the load and offer support.
- THANKSGIVING: look for something to be thankful for out of every day and tell God about it.
- TELL Others: and while you are at it, tell others about the good that God has done in your life and the lives of
those around you. Allow your life to minister to others, to help them heal and seek God.
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About The Author:
Alyice Edrich is the founder and editor-in-chief of TheDabblingMum.com,
the author of several work-from-home e-books,
the publisher of three monthly e-zines,
a freelance writer for hire
and an artist for hire.
* This article is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This article may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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