Contentment

One year later and my backyard is finally coming together. This time last year my yard was a desolate corral overrun by knee-high scraggly weeds and two giant German Shepherds.  Today, the weeds gone, buh bye! In their place, is a lush green blanket of grass. By month’s end, I will have a legit backyard filled with new shrubs, bright flowers, and flourishing trees. A new patio will be poured, a pergola erected, and a firepit area for Tony and me, (and possibly our kids…if we let them) to kick back and enjoy s’mores and cigars! Cigars for Tony and me, s’mores for everyone else! Oh, and a fully landscaped dog run for the two beasts with a revamped shed to store our lawn equipment.

But I must admit, it felt like forever; and through this process of waiting, the good Lord taught me another lesson.  Yes, “good things come to those who wait,” but not that…

I’m sure many of you remember me saying that I’d love to have an “old and charming” home. One with character and projects. It’s true, I did, but I didn’t know that with each project completed, I would instantly be looking to tackle the next without a hint of gratefulness or contentment with what was recently finished. Because quite frankly, the “old” parts were becoming less “charming” with each passing day.

And then God did what He always does, smacked me up upside the head with His Word. Instead of a newly landscaped yard, I needed an attitude adjustment. Here’s when it came:

I have been sporadically reading through Philippians this summer, a book I am quite familiar with, but this time the words leaped from the page. God had a bone to pick with me. The apostle Paul writes, “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 all things through him who gives me strength” (4:11-13).

Many people love verse 13, it’s a good life verse; however, this text has nothing to do with sports, a small waistline or a beautiful house, a shiny new car, and well-behaved children. Verse 13 is directly tied to verses 11 and 12! CONTENTMENT. I can be content, YOU can be content, in ALL situations because it is Christ’s strength in you that propels you to contentment. Get it?

Here are three common areas where contentment is generally needed:

Relationships: Looking to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul encourages us to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.” These verses emphasize the importance of cultivating gratitude and contentment in our interactions with those we love. Instead of focusing on those quirks and traits that irritate us, we can find contentment in cherishing the connections we have and appreciate the positive aspects and blessings of our relationships.

Life’s Challenges: Let’s face it, life is filled with challenges, and it’s during these difficult times that contentment eludes us. However, Paul, once again, offers words of encouragement reminding us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). This powerful Scripture teaches us that even in the midst of trials and hardships, we can find contentment by trusting in God’s higher purpose. By shifting our perspective and asking, “What lesson may I learn from this situation?” We can cultivate contentment and peace in the midst of life’s chaos.

Spiritual Growth: Again, Paul sets the example when he says, “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Here he reminds us to focus on our spiritual growth and pursuit of a higher calling rather than getting caught up in worldly desires. When we put God first, a profound sense of contentment begins to well up inside of us, and our temporary, fleeting pleasures dissipate. 

So, if you’re waiting on something, yes good things will come your way, but in the meantime, be content. Give thanks and enjoy the world around you. Put God first. Read your Bible daily. Pray daily. Sit in His presence daily. And give thanks for the good things in your life, because it is there where you will find contentment. 

To get you started, grab your free download “How to Study the Bible in a Nutshell.” Once you’re hooked come back and grab your book, “How to Study the Bible for You” with a small donation of $5 or more.

As for me, the bathrooms are next! BUT, I’m going on a remodel fast for a short bit. I want to enjoy the hard work that my son-in-laws, Tony, and I have accomplished. The bathrooms may hurt my eyes when I look at them but not as badly as my heart when I put God off!!

Friends, you can be content in all things, whether it’s an ugly bathroom, an old car, unruly children, chubby thighs, a job loss, or a lost relationship. When it comes to life and your spiritual health, you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!!

Be blessed and enjoy the rest of this short summer!