Note from the Editors: DK reader Diane sent us this touching article about how Jesus is teaching her to rest contentedly in him and not in her circumstances. We hope you’re moved to treasure Christ as you read her story.
—–
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philippians 4:11-12
We recently received some bad and good news about two special friends.
One has been diagnosed with breast cancer and the other gave birth to her second child.
How I want to see them both – to weep with my sick friend and to rejoice in new life with my friend having her first daughter.
However, these friends of ours live 17000 km away. When I considered moving overseas I had hesitations about missing people, how our kids would adjust, and learning to live in a new culture. But I never thought that not being with people through their trials and joys would be so hard to bear.
A walk to the beach and a chat to good friends have eased the pain; but this has challenged me anew about completely trusting in the Lord. When Paul wrote Philippians he mentions how he has learned contentment.
So, how do I learn?
- By seeing and drawing on the faithfulness of God in the past, present and future.
- By trusting that we are where we are because of God’s plan and appreciating all the joys in that.
- By entrusting our friends to the Lord, by accepting the distance, acknowledging the pain of separation, learning to not be swayed by unexpected change, and carrying on knowing that Christian contentment is not about my situation or circumstance or how close I am geographically to people I love deeply.
Christian contentment is found in a person – God himself. As we are learning contentment in Christ we can have deep peace in our soul to sing instead of bowing to our sadness. We can delight in the Lord, love him, honour him, and worship him, knowing that it is God who enables us to do it.
Related Resources:
- A few of the Domestic Kingdom posts that feature the subject of contentment:
- The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs on The Book Depository (free delivery worldwide – paperback) or on Amazon ($0.99 Kindle version)
ABOUT THE WRITER
Diane Hall is from Scotland but recently moved to Perth, Western Australia with her Aussie-born pastor-in-training husband. Trained as a youth and community worker, Diane is a full-time mum who is involved in many ministries that support women in her community. She loves baking, watching West Wing, and eating Lindt chocolate.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
“Christian contentment is found in a person – God himself.” True that. Nice post, Diane.
Tim
I find myself in a place where I must find contentment. Thank you for this post, it is very helpful to meditate on Paul’s words. I need this right now.
such a great reminder. we moved to spain a year ago. people here ask me all the time if i miss the states. i dont. but i miss some of my friends. and am sad sometimes that i dont get to meet or hold their babies when they’re born or things like that. this post was super timely for me. thank you!