Contentment

...is a state of being, a state of the heart and will. It exists entirely independent of the circumstances that surround.

Recently, the preacher here in Kansas spoke about contentment. He taught from Philippians chapter four in which Paul says, "for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." (Phil 4:11)

What is the root of dis-contentment...? Lack of happiness/comfort/pleasure or the presence of fear/anxiety/worry? or... is it all of these combined? I think for me it is all of the above, but primarily fear. Fear that God won't take care of me, that He won't follow through, etc... It is trying to make things happen and live life in my own strength. But I don't get anywhere, because I can't. I can't do it on my own and I'm not supposed to, but that isn't the point anyway.

The secret to learning contentment is found in the next verse, "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Phil 4:12)

The point is that no matter what I need, or think I need, I can still be content. Because contentment is not based on what I have or don't have, it is an attitude and mindset. How do you learn to be "abased, hungry and to suffer need"? You simply embrace it. Don't fight it. You take it and thank God for it.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess 5:16-18)

After Paul shares his secret, he proceeds to say the widely-used, and more than often MIS-used, quote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13) He can do what? He can live in poverty, he can be hungry, he can go without and STILL be content. Why? Because Christ Jesus' strength is the source of his contentment. Because he chooses to make his life goal the pursuit of Jesus and relationship with Him over the pursuit of things and happy circumstances. When you possess an eternal perspective and your relationship with Jesus is the forefront of your devotion, all else fades into the background.

"Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt 6:31-33)

Dear Lord, teach me how to be content and not worry about or desire material things. Draw me closer to your presence until there is nothing I desire more. I long to be wholly and fully devoted to your plan and purpose for my life - to YOUR will - whatever that may be. Let all other desires and longings fade away as my vision is transformed to an eternal perspective. Amen.

More Scriptures:

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Tim 6:6-8)

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matt 6:25-26)

Death Brings Life

My day began at 3:30AM in the small town of Newton, Kansas. Now in Atlanta on my way to witness/assist with my 42nd birth. We had a birth yesterday and last Saturday as well. Them babies sure are keeping us busy! ;)

God is teaching me something lately and I wanted to share. A dear friend of mine worded it so beautifully that I will quote her here, "'Death produces life.' Sometimes we think it is so hard to die to ourselves, but really, life is much harder when we live for ourselves." -Jessica Cole

I have thought several times in the last month about how it would be so much easier to go back home and live an "easy" life, to do something that I don't have to work so hard for. But God has been gently reminding me that I must do what is right, not what is easy. When I first said yes to the call of midwifery, I was determined to meet this incredible global need no matter what the cost. When things get hard and one is pushed out of their comfort zone, it is so natural to lose sight of the goal. My present "suffering" is nothing, NOTHING compared to the women around the world who are dying in childbirth, who labor for 5, 6, even 10 DAYS with a dead baby stuck inside them, who bleed to death because they have no meds, who are malnourished, who need to know the importance of feeding their babies within the first hour so they actually have a CHANCE to survive till the age of 5 or even their first birthday, who are beautiful women created by God Himself and are more than worthy of respect, dignity and honor that is so often bereaved them. When I think of the horror that happens every day, every hour, it shakes me to my core. A woman dies in childbirth every 3 seconds.

It's all about perspective. I must run this race, keep my eyes on the goal and the prize, Jesus Christ Himself. I have not been blessed to live a good life and be happy; I have been blessed to be a blessing. And it is, indeed, ALWAYS worth it!