True Contentment

Why does it seem like we always want what we don't have?

dear lord...

i thank you for the contentment that you provide for put adam to sleep.

When we are at work...

we can't wait to be at home.

When we are over scheduled...

we want some down time.

When we have nothing to do...

we claim to be bored.

When we are alone...

we want someone to talk to.

When in large groups of people...

we can't wait for a moment of silence.

When on summer break...

we can't wait to get back to K-State.

Why does the world, or at least me, struggle so much with being content?

Definitions of the word content include: satisfied with things as they are, having one's desires limited by that which one has, or at rest.

I was laying by the pool this afternoon with a new book, a cool bottle of water, and great music flowing from my iPod. But I was restless. I went over my mental 'to do' list; almost everything was accomplished, nothing urgent left. I tried to start reading again. I was still restless. I couldn't understand why was I having such a hard time being at peace...especially with the day off from work? I was NOT at rest!

Starting to pray, verses from a few days ago came to mind.

put me to sleep just as you did to adam.

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get

along happily whether I have much or little.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.

I have learned the secret of living in every situation,
whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
For I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:11-13

Verse 13 was one of the first verses that I remember memorizing when I was younger, but I don't ever remember looking at it from the context of contentment. Paul writes that even in times that his earthly condition appeared to be in great need, he knew that true contentment only comes from our Father above.

Before leaving to come down here my dad asked what I hoped to accomplish this summer. With a laugh, I shared that one of my goals is to learn how to sit still and do nothing. Sounds crazy...I know. But my roommates and family can testify that I can't sit still. "The 306" gets slightly frustrated with me because I can't just sit down and watch a movie. My hands have to be doing something. There is a need to continuously be accomplishing something...anything.

But it's been shown to me over and over that this lifestyle and pace are tiring. It's exhausting, and eventually I find myself more discontent than ever before. For most of my life I've drawn my personal contentment from my surroundings and specifically the people I'm with. People's expectations and their approval have driven me. When others are happy...I'm happy. When they are not...neither am I.

That's not the way that God has meant for us to live.

You keep in perfect peace those who trust in You,
whose thoughts are fixed on You.
~Isaiah 26:3

My soul finds rest in God along...

~Psalm 62:1

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule

in your hearts. For as members of one body you are

called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

~Colossians 3:15

Unfortunately, with the mentality that I've become accustomed to- wanting what I don't have- requires some radical changes in order to chase the cross. Being joyful with what we have and longing for nothing more is not an attitude that we are born with. It's learned.

put me asleep to my own desires and throw my life to you.

Every unfulfilled dream or expectation can serve

as the perfect classroom to seek out contentment.

The book "Lady in Waiting," reminds that 'learning contentment will require complete dependence upon Jesus, for difficult circumstances without the strength of Jesus can rob you of potential contentment.'

God does not make companionship or anything else outside of Himself mandatory for contentment.

I may never reach my goal of being able to sit still and do nothing, but the rest of this summer are going to be marked by a continuous search of finding true contentment in His word and presence!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
—Philippians 4:4