The Secret of Contentment

By Katy Kirk, Frontline Prince William Director of Women’s Small Groups and Internal Teams

The Secret of Contentment

Finding true, lasting contentment in this life has always been a tremendous struggle of mine in all seasons. God has faithfully granted clear guidance, insight, and peace with His purposes in my life, where He is leading, and yet I continue to struggle in my restlessness and uncertainty. As much as I have grown in faith over the years, the issues (plural) of contentment and control rear their ugly heads all too often. I find myself growing impatient and discontent crying out to God, “Okay, enough of this waiting, let’s get on with it here!” Why am I still single? Where will you take me next? If only I could have this or that…” It’s truly staggering how quick I am to forget His faithfulness and ultimately lose faith in the King and Lord of my life.

In his message, Todd covered a great deal of content in regard to Biblical contentment and gave us the example of Paul learning to be content in all circumstances. We learned that this didn’t come naturally to Paul; he disciplined himself to exercise his choice to be content. Paul had learned contentment was not a feeling that comes and goes, but a choice he made day by day to be obedient and trust in the Lord. I desperately desire freedom in this area! Over the past 3 three years of having the blessing of building relationships with women at Frontline, I know that many of you have the same types of struggles over contentment and control. Maybe for you it is appearance, relationship status, infertility, career, friendships, or family?

As I’ve prayed through and processed through the primary causes of this in my life, God has revealed several things to me. First and foremost, it comes down to a lack of faith and not trusting that God is enough, in control, and truly has my absolute best interest at heart. If I really believed that God is perfect in His Sovereignty, the Blessed controller (1 Timothy 6:15) and knows best for my life, would I be living in the “grass is greener” state of mind? No! I absolutely wouldn’t. I see that in my efforts and genuine desire to trust God, I deep down feel that He’s moving just a little too slow! I am quick to forget. This is where I unconsciously decide that God needs my help…taking things into my own hands. I begin to CONTROL and manipulate – taking my eyes off of Him, placing myself on the throne, and focusing on my circumstances. I mix my pride and own strength with those efforts to trust, which creates a discontent, anxious heart.

So, what do we do with this plaguing tool of the Enemy in our lives?

We must…
1. Meditate upon, know, and BELIEVE God’s Truth and promises.
2. Take thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ.
3. Choose to surrender.

We can trust that He is with us and will provide all that we need, therefore live lives of peace, freedom, and contentment. Believe in the unfailing character of who God is. Confess any unbelief and pride to the Lord and ask Him to grant you the strength and grace.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

“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.” So we say with confidence, “the Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedience to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

In Philippians, Paul gives us the recipe and instruction in finding Biblical, genuine contentment in Christ. Paul says, “I have learned the secret of being content in and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty of in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength…” This secret is trusting in the power and might of Jesus in our lives. Have you ever wondered why this very often quoted verse follows Paul’s bold statements about contentment? This verse is translated literally from the Greek as, “I am able to face anything by the One who makes me able (to do it).” I love that truth. If you find yourself struggling with God’s timing in bringing you a mate, you can cling to God’s promises in that He will supply all you need in this current season to bring Him glory and remain faithful as a single person.

In Linda Dillow’s book “Calm My Anxious Heart” she quotes, “At all times, in all circumstances, Christ is able and willing to provide the strength we need to be content. Contentment occurs when Christ’s strength is infused into my weak body, soul, and spirit….He infuses contentment into us through His Word. As it seeps into our minds, it transforms us.”

I am praying for the women of Frontline as we seek God in living godly lives as women of contentment, joy, and surrender! Contentment IS possible through the One who gives us strength. Continue to persevere. While I am on this journey with you, I have experienced God’s transformation in this area and even though my circumstances haven’t changed, God is changing me through them.

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