dreamin4freedom

Philippians 4:11-13

“¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² 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. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

One of the most popular gospel songs this past year was titled “Jireh”. Some of the lyrics were taken from the scripture noted above. It is a very stirring and beautiful song about God being our provider and us being content with that knowledge. I played it, a lot! It spoke to me. I would sing loudly, “And I will be content in every circumstance. Jireh, you are enough.” Philippians 4:11 came to my mind as I contemplated “being content” in life, and what it really means for those of us who consider ourselves Christians.

The Oxford dictionary defines “content” as being “in a state of peaceful happiness.” So I asked myself, am I content with injustice towards me, my family, or loved ones? No. Am I content when things don’t turn out the way I thought they would? Sometimes. Do I always remember God is still with me and guiding my life? Sometimes. Honestly, it can be hard to sense God’s presence during difficult times. Especially if your life seems unfair. Yet, if we understand during those difficult times, he is still with us and fighting for us, we can live in victory. We must hold on to his promises to never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

What is your response to daily challenges: unfairness, injustice, people disregarding/mistreating you, arguments that leave you hurt and unsettled, your inability to keep up with life/work balance, unrelenting health problems, family disagreements and divisions, financial concerns, emotional/physical abuse and trauma? The proper response according to scripture is to “be content” in any of these circumstances. I know this is no easy task. How often do you respond “fine” to being asked, “How are you doing?” Probably often. I know for a lot of us, the answer is not always an honest one.

Challenges of life such as those previously listed cause anxiety, depression, anger and even illness. If we are constantly upset, anxious, or depressed about life, we must reevaluate what we really believe about Jesus and his place in our lives. Some of us expect the world from him, yet do not give him space in our life until we need him. We should try to stay close to him by nourishing our minds with his word and promises. We have a remedy for what ails us when life is difficult. We just have to take time to tap in to him. He has peace for us, he has restoration for us, he has joy for us, and he has a way to heal our brokenness. His word tells us, “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me (not the world), for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Amen! That is life-giving, refreshing news!

We can be content right here, right now. If we take on the yoke of Jesus. With his gentle and humble heart, we can and will find rest. We can be content with our lives, and with “what comes next” when we trust in Him. We can be content in our loneliness, our trials, our sadness, our grief, our trauma, our not being or having enough (ouch), our comparisons, and our insatiable desire to be seen in a world where we sometimes feel invisible (shout out to Ralph Ellison, “The Invisible Man”). Jesus came to make life better for all of us. Through his suffering and death, we received the gift of eternal life. His sacrifice allows us to be content in any circumstance. He walks with us, and if we quiet our busy thoughts for a moment, he will talk to us. Let’s choose to find contentment in every circumstance, even the hard ones. Jesus will meet you there, he promised.

Take a moment to quiet your heart and listen to “The Call” by Isabel Davis (no relation, except in Christ)