Contentment

What do you long for?  Maybe it is job security, a spouse, children, or another specific accomplishment.  Women are emotional creatures who often set our affections on people or things of which we only dream.  While it is fine, healthy even, for little girls to play house and want to be mommies; it is not okay to allow these desires to overtake us in young adulthood to the point where it becomes an idol.  This is a sin I have fought more than once before. 

As a teenager and young adult, I was very focused on wanting a spouse.  I never dated anyone until I was just about out of high school.  With so many friends pairing off, I felt left out, like there was something missing in my life.  My already low self-esteem was knocked lower by the thought that no one was interested in me.  This self-focused attitude allowed me to be discontent with the beautiful life God had given me.  Rather than using my time as a single adult to seek to serve the church, I was seeking a spouse.  It seemed like every guy I met was weighed and measured as a potential husband.  This was not a healthy way to interact with people.  I had to repent of this ever seeking attitude and seek God above all else.  People who are single have more freedom of movement and possibly even time in which to serve the church in ways that married people cannot.  If you find yourself in a season of singleness, embrace it.  Use the time God has given you to focus on building a deeper relationship with Christ, and serve the church in any way you are able.  

Though I found contentment in one situation, this did not mean that I had mastered the art of contentment.  When I was married, but childless, my sin of discontent was there again.  At the time, we were part of both a church and seminary life in which we interacted with many other young couples and families.  It felt like everyone else was having babies.  While I know it wasn’t everyone else, I allowed my desire for a baby to rob me of the contentment and enjoyment of other blessings I had in my life.  This is an area that many people struggle, but is not often spoken of.  Some people are unable to conceive, while others face the heartbreaking loss of a child, sometimes multiple times, in their efforts.  It is hard to wait on God’s timing, which could be months, years, or not at all.  Rest in the strength God provides, and cherish the time you have as a couple.  Serve the Lord together as you minister to others in the church.  Seek opportunities to bless others, and be thankful for all that God has given you.

When I finally had a child, I had everything I ever wanted.  However, soon after that, I was left on my own.  I was not only struggling with my emotions and anger that came with betrayal and abandonment, but again, I faced discontentment with my present circumstances.  This is not the way God designed the family, and there is definitely something missing in a single parent home; however, we cannot allow that to keep us from ministering to our children or others.  We do not have to like the situation we are in.  We do not have to accept our situation as normal or ideal; however, we can faithfully submit to the position in which God has placed us.  We can seek out opportunities to share the gospel and minister to the needs of others.  As parents, or primary ministry should be to our children.  As time allows, we should also seek to meet the needs of others.  

We may not like our circumstances, and it is okay to desire something better.  It is not okay to make those desires an idol that defines who we are and how we interact with others.  Pray and bring your requests before God, but also accept the plan and will he has for you and the unique position he has placed you in right now.  The Apostle Paul tells the Philippian church (Philippians 4:11-13), “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.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  He was content with his circumstances.   In a world full of advertisements, now tailored after your own interests and browsing history, it is difficult to follow Paul’s example.  However, we can learn how to be content just as he did, through the power of Christ who strengthens us!