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“I want more!” The toddler yells and the family near her scurries around to find a way to to give it to her. Is she wanting more food? Entertainment? or is it just attention she wants?
This is often the straw that can break the camel’s back when it comes to family happiness. We learn that raising children is not the easy job we once thought it was. Fitting into our schedule all the things that must be done makes us wish for more time, more energy, more patience! stop
Often, we see the same toddler behavior in ourselves. I want more! Has GOD given me enough food to eat? A place to live? The things I need to live my life? Most of us can say, “Yes, for sure! But I want bigger, prettier, more up-to-date!”
But too often, we aren't satisfied with what GOD has provided. We are much like the Israelites Share on XBut too often, we aren’t satisfied with what He has provided. We are too much like the Israelites who remembered their past much differently than it was. In the past, they were slaves. But what did they remember? The delicious food! They forgot that now they were free. Yes, the travel to the Land of Promise was hard, made even more difficult by their disobedience that made the trip much, much longer. But GOD did provide for them even though some of the provisions weren’t aways as luxurious as they wished for.
Our memories of the past tend to be tinged with rosie colors as we forget the truth of all of our situation.
Our past memories are so often tinged with rosy colors and we have forgotten the truth of the reality that went along with those memories. We have select memory. And we forget the many ways GOD provided for us when times were hard.
We remember the “good foods” and other treats along the way that were of minor importance. We forget the slavery aspects that weren’t as good…and often were the reasons why GOD graciously removed us from those situations.
There is a classic book written many years ago by Jeremiah Burroughs that has been recommended to me titled The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. It is next book in line for me to read.
It only reinforces the Biblical admonitions that follow:
So to keep me from becoming conceited
because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,
a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me,
to keep me from becoming conceited.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For the sake of Christ, then,
I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
II Corinthians 12:7-10Not 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 4:11-13But godliness with contentment is great gain,
for we brought nothing into the world,
and we cannot take anything out of the world.
But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare,
into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people
into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.
It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith
and pierced themselves with many pangs.
I Timothy 6:6-10Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have,
for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So we can confidently say,“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.
Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:5-8
Did you notice any familiar verses along the way? Were you surprised to find them in a setting of contentment? Particularly Philippians 4:13! You rarely hear it spoken of in relation to being content do you?
Martha, this is a great post! Contentment is a struggle for so many of us, isn’t it? And yes, there are times when we adults look pretty similar to toddlers when we are discontent. We do need to choose gratitude for God’s provision for us…even when it looks different than we expected.
thanks jeanne:) some of the struggle comes b/c we aren’t supposed to be lazy about our christian life…or satisfied in a sense. but we have plenty of ability to be discontented in other areas bleeds all over into all kinds of places doesn’t it?
Excellent book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. I’ve read it twice and always leave it on my read again list.
i’ve heard that about it. i have started the book mandy and it definitely is a great book. i have some books on my “have-to”read list so i’m working up to it. i know i need it for sure!
Great post, Martha. For me it’s not necessarily contentment, but acceptance. I was hammered today; the beating will be worse tomorrow, but there is neither purpose nor room for resentment.
i think you are probably right andrew. acceptance and grace to move on to the next level. may the peace of GOD be with you brother.
You certainly touched me with this post. The Israelites are a great reminder in my life. Lord help my dissatisfied heart! #75
thanks for stopping by mary:) you are right about the Israelites for sure!
I need more contentment too!
welcome to the club tara:) when i write something like this, i’m writing it most strongly to myself for sure!
Ouch! Just ouch. I definitely could stand more contentment in my life.
thanks for stopping by christy:) blessings girl!
It is easy to slip into focussing on what we don’t have and to forget to be grateful for all that we do have and for God’s provision. Someone pointed out the same thing about the Philippians verse to me recently- it is one that is often quoted out of context. The Hebrews one: “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” was the one that I’ve never thought of as relating to contentment before.
yes lesley, i was struck by both passages being in the context of contentment. the fact that He won’t leave or forsake us is a good reason for us to be content isn’t it. and so often we hear about our being able to do all things through Christ that have nothing to do with that passage! being content in any situation however, IS one of those things that IS possible! very interesting for sure! nice to see you:)
My husband came home today saying he wants to read that Burroughs’ book! And this is such a good reminder to be content. I need these reminders, over and over.
welcome to the club! i have many more years on you and though i have learned contentment in many diverse settings, i still struggle with contentment and being satisfied with what GOD has provided for me now:) i’m grateful for His gracious dealings with me for sure! i have started on the book and it is very meaty for sure!