>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. Philippians 4:12
Much has been written about this passage from Paul in the book of Philippians. It is a verse that I have tried to emulate as I have struggled throughout my adult life with a myriad of challenges, from being a reluctant single adult, to job struggles, to the state of friendships and the desires of my heart. This passage has frustrated me when I haven’t wanted to be content (but know that’s God’s desire for me) and when I have wanted to be content and it seems that outside factors press in on every side and make it seemingly impossible to be content.
Lately I have been challenged to examine contentedness from a different perspective. There are areas in my life where I have to ask myself if I am using “contentedness” as an excuse to allow complacency to creep in, forgetting to look outside of my comfort zone to see if there is something there that I should be pursuing.
I am finding that while contentedness with what God has put in my life is a worthy goal and pleasing to God, sometimes after a period of time He wants to move me from that place where I have become content because He wants to grow me and use me in a different way.
By allowing God to examine my heart and my life often, and praying for the wisdom to see the difference between contentedness and complacency I can move closer to the woman God desires me to be – His perfect creation. It’s sometimes uncomfortable, but there is always a reward waiting for me.
Paula Davis 