content – Oh Lord Help Us

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Contentment: Surrendering Our Lives to the Will of God

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 30, 2018January 13, 2019

Discontentment can take hold of our lives in many ways causing us to doubt and directing our steps to the wrong path. When we search above for contentment and trust in God’s will we can live in his truth and feel at peace with our season in life.

Throughout the course of my life, I have struggled to find contentment. I jumped from toxic relationship to toxic relationship looking to be content with every person but Jesus. I struggled because I was looking in every place except the one where I could actually feel content.

The mindset I had was one of “when this happens…then I will be content”. It took form in many ways such as:

When I have a boyfriend…

When I become a wife…

When I have kids…

When I am in this job…

etc., etc., etc…

I searched for contentment in all of the wrong places.

Failing Contentment

We all go through these struggles of thinking that we will be content when we enter a certain situation, but at the end of the day, there is only one source of contentment. His name is Jesus. We all have a tendency to search for contentment in every place but in the love of Jesus. Whether it is through people or through money we all look elsewhere for our contentment. Instead of being content where God has placed us, we strive to build a place of true contentment.

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.

Philippians 4:10-13, ESV

In this passage, Paul speaks into finding contentment in all situations. He tells us that the secret to being content is knowing that through God we can do all things. We need to follow this example. With all seasons of life, our calling is to find contentment in our Savior. In the One who will provide for all of our needs.

In All Things

When we are standing in a place where we are struggling to be content it is important to think about who our source is. Who sustains us and provides for us. It can be difficult to find contentment in situations that you feel unsure and unstable. We all want to know that things will turn out well for us.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28, NIV

Even in times of question and times when we feel unsure we can have hope that things will turn out well for us. That is where we find our contentment. Life is not all rainbows and butterflies and we all go through trials. We can have confidence when we face trials. We can find encouragement in the truth that no matter what we face, God will work it out for good.

Focusing Our Eyes Above

When we struggle with times of discontentment and doubt we have to focus our eyes on above. Lauren Daigle released her new album last month entitled “Look Up Child”. One of the songs on the album shares the same name. This song is all about how when we feel doubt and we feel discontent and like the war is raging God calls us to look up. In the seasons of discontentment that we are unable to get out of all we can do is look up.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Colossians 3:1-4, NLT

We are to set our sights on things above. This includes times when thoughts of discontentment threaten to creep in. Our lives are sealed in Christ, who ascended to Heaven after His resurrection. A seat at the throne of God is our true citizenship. We should live our lives to honor that citizenship. When we focus on the things above, we cannot help but feel contentment in whatever season life may throw.

Jesus is our source of contentment and the director of our lives. Trusting in His plan changes how we think and how we act. Click To Tweet

Giving God Permission

When we feel discontent with where we are we can ask God to intervene and change our thinking. When we make bold asks of God, He will come through for us. He will give us the tools we need to feel content with where we are and our direction.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Roman 12:2, NIV

Letting God renew our minds and redirect our thoughts enables us to live in His will. When we are living according to His will, we will be able to find contentment in our actions. This is because we will have the assurance that He is directing our steps. When we fail to surrender our lives, doubt and fear creep in causing discontentment. We must live according to His will and not our own to live a life of contentment.

Contentment is only found by trusting God’s will. He asks us to surrender. To allow Him to direct our path. Resting in God’s will and trusting in His plan makes us content. Focusing too much on what we want and on our plan will cause discontentment to fester. Jesus is our source of contentment and the director of our lives. Trusting in His plan changes how we think and how we act.

surrender, striving, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, mentor, ministry

Surrender: Focusing Our Hearts and Eyes On the One Who Calls

Devotionals, Stay SaneAugust 20, 2018July 30, 2019

Jesus isn’t after our successes, but our hearts of surrender. When we fix our eyes on Him, all the BIG things simply become One thing.

What are we called to? As Christians, what are we really called to?

I have spent a ton of time asking God for “my calling.” What is the one big major thing He has for me? What is the one thing only I can do? The big dream of God’s heart that nobody else wants?

You see, for as long as I can remember, I have wanted to do BIG things. When I was a kid, my sister and I had an entire imaginary world, in which we were the most famous kids. At age 10, I began writing a parenting book. By the time I was fifteen, my 10-year plan included being a Broadway star, with a wealthy business husband and 3 residences, at 25 mind you. I was serious.

In love with the stage (and myself), I lived for recognition and dreamed of a future littered with public speaking accolades. I was ready to make my mark on the world, whatever it took. I held on tight to Philippians 4:13, because I believed I could do all things, nothing was impossible, and Jesus would help me succeed. As I write these words, I am shaking my head and laughing at my young “innocent” views on life and God.

During my college years, God really got a hold of my heart like never before. My dreamer spirit didn’t die, but my dreams radically changed. Now, I wanted to do big things for God. Dreams of being part of foreign missions, non-profits and every ministry possible began to form in my mind. I went on several overseas mission trips, worked with the poor in my own city, served in my church and eventually (finally!) my husband and I moved overseas as long-term missionaries.

I felt I was living the dream, doing all the stuff, all the big things God cares most about, the stuff no-one else is willing to do! Even though I thought I had arrived, God knew, this was only the beginning of our journey. After a short year and a half, we were back in the States, and I found myself, again, asking God about my calling. He faithfully answered, as He showed me, little by little, what true surrender looks like. Dreaming with God is wonderful thing, but we cannot lose sight of our true purpose.

Surrendering Dreams

So, what are we called to? As Christians, what are we really called to? Love one another? Live generously? Forgive seventy times seven? Feed the poor, heal the sick, care for orphans, clothe the needy? No. Our call is not just about actions. It’s not just about the mission. It’s not just about doing stuff for God. Our call is about a person. I am a Christian because I am totally in love with Someone. The One called Jesus. The question isn’t what are we called to do? Rather, Who are we called to live for? Who are we called to?

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Psalm 84:10

This is the heart of surrender I long for! I long to say, “Jesus, it’s not about me or what I do. It’s all about you! I just want to be with you, whatever you do. Wherever you are.”

Surrender and Abandon

Abandon. We are called to abandon. Total and utter dependence on Him. An unshakable “yes”, to surrender. To Him. No matter the convenience level, no matter the cost. We are His. This life isn’t about me. It isn’t about my family or my church. It’s not about us at all. It isn’t even about others, not even the least of these.

It is about Him. Jesus. High Priest and King. Sacrifice. Lamb of God. Lord of all lords. It is all, every moment, every day, every dream, desire, call is about Him. Him and only Him. Jesus Christ.

Can I live truly abandoned when following Jesus doesn’t look like I expected or when it is hard to get up in the morning? Can I live fully abandoned when I don’t see ANY of the glam and glory of doing “big things” for God?

Right now, His big calling in my life is three little people and a man pouring his life out in a “regular” job. Maybe my calling is a neighbor who just needs a friend, or the stranger at the grocery store. Possibly, God is drawing me towards the mom friend who is overwhelmed, or the babysitter who may just need a hug.

What does saying “yes” to God every day really look like? Can I be content with the lot God has given me? Truly, this is what Philippians 4:13 is about. Contentment. Not success, as the world sees it.

Abandon. We are called to abandon. Total and utter dependence on Him. An unshakable “yes”, to surrender. To Him. Click To Tweet

Contentment in Surrender

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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13

True contentment can only come in true surrender, to the Person of Jesus. God measures success in our number of “yeses”, not our number of medals and degrees.

So, what is the one thing only I can do? Only I can love Him for me. Only I can worship Him for me. Only I can sit at His feet as me. Nobody else can take my place in loving Jesus. This is the one calling. It’s not a thing. It’s a Person.

All scripture references come from the NIV Bible.

Content Within the Discontent

Stay SaneNovember 23, 2015November 23, 2015

The holiday season is upon us and I have been inundated with the message that I need to be thankful. And I’m sick of it. What if I don’t want to be? You don’t know what has happened to me! What if I don’t feel like I have anything to be thankful for? What if I want to be surly and miserable? Stop telling me to be happy all the time!

Real Life, Real Gratitude

Do we really need to be thankful? How do we find this place of contentment when times are hard? What’s the point? Can we just “fake it til we make it” or does is have to be real? What if we can’t seem to get to this place of contentment?

It turns out we do need to be grateful.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Even when our circumstances are not ideal.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

But sometimes we are discontent for a reason. If we were truly content all the time, we would never be prompted to change or grow. The hope we have is that our discontentment in not in vain.

…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts…. Romans 5:3-5

And we don’t have to fake our contentment. Sometimes life is just truly crappy. For real.

Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. my eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. Psalm 69:1-3 (“I sink in deep mire” sounds a whole lot like “I’m in deep crap,” don’t you think?)

But the waiting can be long, no doubt. I’m not even going to sugar-coat that for you.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Final Thought

Take a deep breath. Feel God’s love embracing you. And wait patiently for Him to move you out of your discontentment. Thankfully He loves us and we can trust Him.

Are you feeling discontent at the moment? Are you feeling discouraged? What have you found to help get you through times of discontentment in the past?

xoxo