The Secret to Contentment

 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. 

Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

 

 

We plan and dream.  We imagine a life called us.  And on the wings of our hopes we see "happily ever after" just over the horizon.  The days come and go and dreams give birth to other dreams until our very happiness is put on a shelf, just out of reach.  We wait for the day when our children are a little older or our husband's work schedule changes.

 

But waiting for the right circumstances to make us happy brings a tension all its own.  Very often we mistake this tension as a sign that we are lacking something, but it is actually a tension born out of wanting what we do not have.  Contentment, after all, is an inside job, and no amount of rearranging our lives will bring it to us.  We must find it within ourselves.

 

The secret to contentment comes from understanding that where we are now is exactly where God wants us to be.  He has a purpose for our lives, and He offers a peace that is separate from our circumstances.  When we open our hearts to this, love comes rushing in the way the tide fills even the tiniest holes in the sand and blessings are scattered around like seashells.

 

Lord, help me grow in the holy habit of contentment by seeking Your presence and purpose for my life.  Amen.

 

 

From 3-Minute Devotions for Women

 by Barbour Books, 2013

Stop Waiting



We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.

Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have.

Stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy.
Author Unknown

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Hebrews 3:13

The Best Way to Make Workers Miserable Is To Satisfy All of Their Demands



In Little Women Mrs March tells this story to her daughters:  Once upon a time, there were four girls who had enough to eat and drink and wear, a good many comforts and pleasures, kind friends and parents--and yet they were not content, always wishing for something more.  Finally they asked an old woman for advice.  "when you feel discontented," she told them, "think over your blessings, and be grateful."

They decided to try her advice and were surprised to see how well off they were.  One girl discovered money couldn't keep shame and sorrow out of rich people's houses.  Another learned she was a great deal happier with her youth, health, and good spirits than a certain fretful, feeble old lady who couldn't enjoy her comforts.  The third found that, disagreeable as it was to help get dinner, it was harder still to have to go begging for it.  The fourth girl learned that even carnelian rings were not so valuable as good behavior.  So they agreed to stop complaining and to enjoy the blessings they already possessed.

Wanting something does not mean it's best for us.  If you want to be content, learn to be grateful for what you have.

Be content with what you have.

Hebrews 13:5

Guilt Is Concerned With the Past. Worry Is Concerned About the Future. Contentment Enjoys the Present.

Psychologist William Marston once asked three thousand people, "What have you to live for?"  He was shocked to discover that 94 percent of the people he polled were simply enduring the present while they waited for the future.  Some indicated they were waiting for "something" to happen--waiting for children to grow up and leave home, waiting for next year, waiting for another time to take a long-awaited trip, waiting for someone to die, or waiting for tomorrow.  They had hope, but no ongoing purpose to their lives!

Only 6 percent of the people identified relationships and activities in the present tense of their lives that they counted as valuable reasons for living!

The 94 percent would be wise to recall the words of this poem by an unknown author:

During all the years since time began,

Today  has been the friend of man;

But in his blindness and his sorrow,

He looks to yesterday and tomorrow.

Forget past trials and your sorrow.

There was, but is, no yesterday,

And there may be no tomorrow.

Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.

Philippians 4:11

Those Who Bring Sunshine to the Lives of Others Cannot Keep it From Themselves

There was a wealthy noblewoman who had grown tired of life.  She had everything one could wish for except happiness and contentment.  She said, "I am weary of life.  I will go to the river and there end my life."

As she walked along, she felt a little hand tugging at her skirts. 
Looking down, she saw a frail, hungry-looking little boy who
pleaded, "There are six of us.  We are dying for want of food!" 
The noblewoman thought, "Why should I not relieve this wretched family?  I have the means, and it seems I will have no more use for riches when I am gone.

Following the little boy, she entered a scene of misery, sickness, and want.  She opened her purse and emptied its contents.

The family members were beside themselves with joy and gratitude.  Even more taken with their need, the noblewoman said, "I'll return tomorrow, and I will share with you more of the good things which God has given to me in abundance!"

She left that scene of want and wretchedness rejoicing that the child had found her.  For the first time in her life she understood the reason for her wealth.  never again did she think of ending her life, which was not filled with meaning and purpose.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:7