Singleness III

Contentment -

This post really could apply to all areas of life, but I think it is a major part of being single! It is so hard to always be content. We strive every day to be joyful in our circumstances, and not pout, whine, or hold a pity party for ourselves. Let’s look at what the Bible has to say about being content.

Philippians 4:11-13 says, “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 everything through Him who gives me strength.”

So, what is the secret that Paul has found? I believe the answer lies in the passage above.

Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Consider also the last sentence of the previous verse I quoted: I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. What’s the secret? Remembering that the Lord is near, He is our sympathetic high priest, and we can rely on Him to give us strength through every circumstance. So why be discontent? Have you not been given everything through Christ? Discontentment is a very serious issue, and one of the biggest things I struggle with. Discontentment is really saying this to God:

My plans are better then Yours.
I want to do things my way.
I’m sick of waiting for the plans You have for my life, I want them now.
I do not trust that You have a better plan for me then I could ever come up with.
I am forgetting that RIGHT NOW is part of Your plan for me.
I want to hurry up, skip this season and get on with life. God, speed up. I want You to do things in MY time, not Yours.
I’m forgetting to look at how I can grow NOW, bless others NOW, mature NOW, be close to You NOW, but I want something else.

In this case, something else is a husband. A boyfriend. A companion. Those who are discontent in this area are looking RIGHT PAST our Savior, the Lover of our Soul, the Treasure of the universe, and saying He is not enough. He isn’t enough to satisfy our souls. He isn’t enough to fill us with contentment and joy.

Let me balance this out a little so you do not think I am against marriage or anything! Marriage is God’s beautiful design. Don’t get me wrong. I want to be married someday. I want to have a husband and a wheelbarrow full of kids. But, I am way too young. I’m not even out of highschool, let alone mature enough to make a wise choice about marriage or be ready to have a family. It is good to have goals in life, to have dreams, and aspirations. But I caution you, do not be too focused on tomorrow that you lose sight of today. TODAY is the day God has given you. You may not get tomorrow. You may die before you even finish reading this post. Morbid, but true. You are never guaranteed another breath. Imagine you die, go to heaven, and God says, “What did you do for Me on earth?” What will be your response? Will you only be able to say, “I dreamed about all the plans You may have for me, Lord.” Will you say, “God, I saw why you had me where You had me, the timing was Yours, and I used it to glorify You. I didn’t worry about the future, but I remembered that You still sit on the throne and that whatever I go through, I can do all things through You, who strengthens me.” Now, you may not know why God has you where you are right now, but you don’t need to know all His plans to give Him the glory, or to make the best use of your time.

So, I urge you, dear sisters in Christ, stop worrying. Stop being discontent. Praise God in your circumstances. Remember that CONTENTMENT IS THE ESSENCE OF SPIRITUAL BEAUTY!!! There is nothing more beautiful or more glorifying to our Lord and Savior, then a heart that is complete in Him. A soul that alone desires Jesus as our heavenly Treasure. Don’t forget your Treasure! Don’t scorn it and say it isn’t enough.

Blessings,
~Gretchen~