Contentment

"Not that I speak from want, 

for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."

Philippians 4:11

     Contentment.  It has different meanings for different people.  What does it mean to be content?  Does it mean you have a comfortable lifestyle?  Does it mean you are happy with your family?  Does it mean you are satisfied?  What does it mean to be content?   Webster's Dictionary gives the meaning of content as "feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status or situation". So I ask the question again, are you content?  

      As I pondered over this question for myself, I struggled with it.  I struggled because I know I need to be content with the circumstances I find myself in at this time of my life.  There are many that would probably wish to be in the shoes I am in as their circumstances may be worse.  But for me, these circumstances are ones I have not had for many years.  For those many years, we have lived a comfortable lifestyle. Not extravagant but comfortable. One or both of us have had a full-time job. If we needed or wanted something we could buy it.  If we wanted to go on a trip we could. If we wanted to spoil the grandkids we did.  But for now, all of those are on hold. Neither of us has a full-time job.  We have what we need nothing more.  We know God provides and He shows up right on time.  He will continue too until the season changes and He shows us the next steps to take.

       At the beginning of the summer, I started this blog. I was broken like I had never been.  I still struggle with that brokenness at times but I am coming through it.  I may never understand why I am at this place at this time but I do know that God has not left me in it all.  I know He has been there helping me through. I am content in my circumstances.  I am content when I realize I don't need more stuff.  I am content when I know I can enjoy a good book or time alone with God.  I am content when I know I have the time now to spend in His Word. I am thankful for this time and for my family.  Whatever the circumstance as Paul states, I am content.  Ask yourself the same, am I content in ALL circumstances, not just the happy, comfortable ones?  Be content in all circumstances and enjoy what God shows you in your life.

...being content with what you have; 

for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”

Hebrews 13:5

Stand Firm

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men,

be strong."

1 Corinthians 16:13

     

      The last days are here.  They have been here but we are in the last of the last days, I believe.  The Lord Jesus Christ will soon return.  Are you ready?  One reads the daily headlines and there is nothing but misery, hate, and dissension.  It is rare to see an uplifting story in the news these days.  It is easy to get bogged down by the negativity that is permeating our society in this present age.  People deny there is a God.  People shake their fists in the face of God and scream obscenities.  People show vitriol for anyone with a differing opinion on anything.  Common decency is gone.  Common sense went with it.  Even some Christians compromise their beliefs when pushed against a wall. Satan is running amok in our world and having the time of his life. 

       BUT...we as Christians must be watchful.  We must stand firm in the faith.  We must be strong.   Moses told the people of Israel in Exodus 14:13, " Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today.".  Moses is talking about the Egyptians who were in hot pursuit and the Israelites are standing at the bank of the Red Sea grumbling, again, about why they left Egypt in the first place.  Moses is standing in front of them and is saying, FEAR NOT, haven't you already seen the hand of God at work in saving you from Egypt.  Haven't you seen that God is working to get you out of here and to the Promised Land?  Stop standing around grumbling and stand firm!  Stand knowing that He is going to save you.  Stand firm knowing He is going to see everything going on in your life.  Stand firm knowing He will answer when you call. Stand firm knowing He has your back.  Stand firm in the faith. 

       We are called to stand firm.  We are called to be sober-minded; Be watchful.  Because our adversary, the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:12) We need to always be alert.  Jesus told his disciples in the garden to keep watch while He went to pray.  He told them to be alert.  But they did as we do, we get comfortable.  We fall asleep.  We become lazy and we are not alert.  It is when we are not alert or watchful that we stumble and fall into the traps the devil has set for us.  He wants us to be lazy.  He doesn't want us to be strong and standing firm. The devil knows that if we are strong and firm in our faith, he can not get to us as easily.   This is why standing firm is mentioned many times in the Bible.  

        Friends, stand firm in your faith.  Know that the Lord is with you and fear not.  Be watchful for the adversary who wants to devour anyone that is not alert to his tactics.  Be strong.  There is nothing that is impossible with God.  God is able and He will be there.  He has already won.  So have we, if we are watchful, standing firm and strong in our faith.

"stand firm in it."

1 Peter 5:12