CONTENTMENT
Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever
circumstances I am.
PHILIPPIANS 4:11
When I graduated from college, I thought I was on top of the world. I married right after graduation and found a good job. Within a few years, I learned the most important lesson of all---LIFE IS HARD. I had good months and then some really bad months. Our marriage was good and then at times not so good. Our 4 children were the delight of our hearts, but as they grew up the hurt and worry of raising teenagers was sometimes more than we could stand. Finances could be up and at other times void. My "want" list always exceeded my "could have" list, and my "if only" list just added more pain to my life.
As I grew older, I realized that through all the ups and downs,God had provided for my every need. He gave me strength when I couldn't go on, encouragement to my broken heart, meals when the refrigerator was empty, peace in the midst of turmoil, and a contentment that went beyond my circumstances.
Sure life gets hard now and then. My heart may still become anxious and my mind may begin to assume the worse, but today I know that contentment comes from within and not from without. I have lived long enough to "have a history." The historical fact that I have learned is to be content regardless of my circumstances because of God's faithfulness to me.
May the Lord provide His contentment to you today and place your circumstances in the shadow of the cross.