So I've been reading "The Resolution for Women"... a take-off from the "Courageous" book and movie. I thought it would a good read to kind of keep me on track, I guess. I loved the book and movie it's based off of, so I figured why not. Well wouldn't ya know that God is totally speaking out to me. I'll admit this, I'm a person that once I get an idea in my head that I like, I really want to fulfill that idea. I know I am very blessed and really couldn't ask for more, but I guess I get caught up sometimes in the things that I'd really like "now" and not a few years from now. I'm not talking materialistically, here... just personal things I guess. With the economy the way it is, it's a little scary to wonder what the future may hold. Chris is going to be leaving his job after this year so we'll be looking for him something new. I'm very happy for that. It's stressful, but it's a good thing. Anywho... so far the book has been pretty much screaming at me to be content. I've been reading it for about a week at a very slow pace so that I can really take in the message from it. Contentment, contentment.... contentment. I've been thinking about it, praying really hard about and for it, and really wanting to settle my life into a life full of contentment. I think we are generally brought up to always expect more and expect better. "Don't settle" those are words I heard often. They're totally needed sometimes, but at other times, you just have to learn to be content.
Well, after about a week of reading very slowly chapter at a time and praying daily about it... here's what my daily devotional reading was about today... ready??................CONTENTMENT!!!
Philippians 4: 6-13
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admireable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 everything through him who gives me strength."
I've sort of struggled for the past week... why can't I always be content? Why do I feel like I need more? Well, taken from my devotional "Our Daily Bread" ... "notice the phrase in verse 12... 'I have learned'. Learning takes time. It is a process marked by trial and error, and by perseverance. Aren't you glad that our teacher, the Lord Jesus, is patient with us?"
Shew... what a relief, huh? As with anything... Jesus is always patient. It takes time for our simple human minds and hearts. Jesus is perfect, but we most definitely are not! He loves us enough to give us the time we need to get everything straight. Halleluia for that!
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