Being content!

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 4:11-13 NIV). 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, (Philippians 2:14 NIV). 

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:21-24 NIV). 

Paul is really wonderful especially in Philippians about describing contentment. He is in chains for the gospel and while many could be upset or frustrated but instead he is excited because he knows him being in chains is furthering the advance of the gospel! How many of us would be frustrated and annoyed and think God betrayed us? As Christians and humans we have many hard tasks assigned to us and for us to deal with. It can be very hard and NOT always fun! God does not want us to serve Him while we are upset or annoyed by the things He is calling us to do. If He calls us to great tasks is it fruitful or giving glory to Him if we complain and get sick of having to do things for Him that others don't have to? He believes in us and loves us and wants us to serve Him more! There are many people starving to death every day and suffering for the gospel and are content because they know what Jesus has done for them and is doing for them! They trust Him enough to not have be on a roller coaster and only being content under our own circumstances. When we try to have control and are only happy when things go the way we want, we will not be happy or content in Christ. We have to give Him the control and allow Him to guide our lives forever and always!! 

I have learned many times that I am not in control and when I try to be I am never satisfied or content and just have constant pain in my heart! I can not control others and how things go and therefore can't be happy. I can only be truly satisfied in Christ! It's miserable to try to have control and to constantly be upset when things do not go the way I want. I have learned to release that burden to God and have lower expectations of people and higher expectations of God. God has control of my life and will guide me in my paths and will not put me in a place that He can't handle! There is such more peace and joy that comes from being content in Christ and exactly where He has you and is taking you!! He WILL provide! 

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). God will always be with us. What else do we need? All we need is Him to survive and if He blesses us than that is His will! It is fruitless to want more or ask God for more when He has sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV). God will protect us! Let's just live with joy in Him every single day! 

My sister possibly just broke her foot today for the second time in the last year. She didn't freak out or throw a panic attack or even cry.  Even though it is her senior year and she is in season with basketball right now. That would suck. She just knows it is not worth getting upset about and will not get her anywhere. The one thing that will get us to heaven is to trust in Jesus and have so much joy in Him that we can love Him and others! Lord lead me in your paths and guide my heart to joy in You!!