Think about the one circumstance you wish you could change in your life. Now, imagine that God has brought about that change, or given you whatever it is that you want.
Do you know what you are left still having to deal with? Your wicked heart!
The other morning, while getting ready for work, I felt extremely agitated and edgy. When my husband asked me what was wrong, I knew best to stay quiet. Telling him the real reason for my uneasiness would only make me look foolish. Instead of waiting for me to answer, he told me, in all kindness, that real problem was my heart. I couldn’t argue. He was right.
Matthew Henry, when discussing Paul’s secret to contentment said, “Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favourable circumstances.” Even if my outward circumstances changed, the truth is that if I am discontented now, then I will be discontented in the best of situations. Why? Because only Christ can conquer an impatient, restless, selfish soul.
Paul, in Philippians 4:11, said that he had learned “in whatever situation to be content.” Whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, imprisoned or free, hungry or satisfied, Paul was a man who knew “how to abound in any and every circumstance.” Paul had Christ and he knew well that Christ was all. Resting in the sufficiency of Christ will keep us from growing proud when we are prosperous, and it will keep us from hopelessness when we are made low.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.” (Jeremiah 17:17).
Whatever present condition we find ourselves in, let us be at peace with the wise and loving providences of a good and faithful God.
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”(Proverbs 15:15)
susie says
Thanks, my sister, for that encouraging word. How true it is, especially the part about being discontent because of longing for something we don’t have, rather than being thankful for what we DO have….Jesus. I’ve heard so many famous people say that when they achieved fame and fortune, it was a far more lonely place than they had ever imagined; that THING that they longed for did not, in the end, bring them the joy they were searching for. ONLY Jesus can satisfy. I love reading your posts; keep them coming!! xxoo
Christina says
Susie, you made my day! When I saw your name I smiled! Thank you for not only reading and commenting, but also your encouragement!
Yes, at the end of the day, when all is said and done, the only thing that has any eternal value now or later, is Christ. He is all in all! To the wind with everything else!
Love and hugs to you and the rest of the clan out there!
Petra Hefner says
Did you sit beside me in church last Sunday? Love you, my sister!
Christina says
Hysterical, Petra! No, I was not sitting beside you yesterday but not only does your comment make me laugh but it tells me that I am not alone!
Love you dearly my sister!
watertomysoul says
hey sis, thanks for writing and sharing, it really ministered to me. “if I am discontented now, then I will be discontented in the best of situations. Why? Because only Christ can conquer an impatient, restless, selfish soul” Help me Lord, help me! 🙂
amen! I love you.
watertomysoul says
oh, haha, Christina, “watertomysoul” its melissa from Sonship. I am trying to get a blog together. I didn’t know when I responded it would use my blog login.
Christina says
Lis, I am so glad to hear that you are working on a blog! Hooray! Your God-ward reflections are always a blessing and an encouragement to me!
And, thank you, for being such a good sister to me — for your concern, your prayers, and your sweet spirit! I love YOU!!!
watertomysoul says
THANKS SIS!!!! that means so much coming from you!! I love the way you write and thank you for being a great sister/women of God! i love you and cant wait to see you tomorrow.
Hollie says
This is so true! Our hearts are always the problem. Thanks for always posting such encouraging things Christina! Love and blessings 🙂
Victoria says
All I can say is amen!
persis says
You certainly nailed it, Christina, with “Do you know what you are left still having to deal with? Your wicked heart!”. I think I will be learning contentment for the rest of my life.
Diane says
Yep, it’s true alright! My grandpa always quoted Phil 4:11 – he was 95 when I heard him say it for the last time.
Godliness when accompanied by contentment is great gain.
Hope your heart is happier today dear friend.
Hugs!
Diana Lovegrove says
“Resting in the sufficiency of Christ will keep us from growing proud when we are prosperous, and it will keep us from hopelessness when we are made low.” Love this! x
Esther Don says
Amen Amen what a beautiful way to remind be to change my heart.
I knew but I forgot Thanks for the reminder