Are You Content? Check the List…
Content; that’s what I want to become this year. Check out this list of symptoms of discontent that I have observed pop up in myself over the years, and see if any apply to you.
fear, jealousy, envy, impatience, pride, selfishness, regrets, unhealthy expectations, perfectionism, shame, striving, worry about the “what if’s,” anxiety
For 2018, I have committed to focusing on the word “content” (or “contentment”).
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines content as: “pleased and satisfied; not needing more.”
What a great attitude to have in life—pleased, satisfied with what we have or do, and not needing more. Wouldn’t you agree that this world would be a better place if we lived a life of contentment?
As it is early February, I’ve only begun my study, but anticipate a year full of blessing. I trust God to unpack what this concept means and how I can learn and grow in my understanding and application. I love wordplay, and even made up an acronym to help me. What do you think?
CONTENT = Christ-like, Ongoing, Natural Thankfulness Each New Today.
Christ-like: We are to have the mind of Christ, and we know through Scripture that Jesus exemplified contentment. As God, He never “needed” anything that He didn’t already have. He didn’t need to be saved from the hands of mankind; He gave Himself up willingly (John 19:11).
Ongoing: This speaks to be me of a balanced life in which we can consistently recognize God’s hand of power and blessing on a day-to-day basis. In the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:11), Jesus taught us to ask for “our daily bread,” and then went on to teach us to not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34).
Natural: By “natural” I mean that my contentment is who I am. My go-to response to life and its circumstances is one of remembering God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, no matter what.
Thankfulness: I get to put on an attitude of gratitude. I have opportunity to thank God for His provision of everything I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Period.
Each: Each…not some, not occasionally, not only when life seems easy.
New: God’s mercies are new every morning. Every day presents itself with the choice of how I want to see it; either as my unmet desire or God’s perfect providence.
Day: Days pass so quickly, but each one is a gift in itself. We have the privilege of living each one for Christ, or wasting it. “”O LORD, help me understand my mortality and the brevity of life! Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!” (Psalm 39:4-NET)
So, as of today, I have a more focused direction. I have faith and the daily work of the Holy Spirit in me to live a life of contentment. By that faith, the days of whining, comparing, and jealousy don’t have to be repeated. I want to exchange all that for a new me. Here is a list of “symptoms” of contentment that I’m looking forward to in greater amounts:
joy, peace, hope, calm, generosity, inner strength, and a healthy attitude about myself
Sounds great to me! I am confident that God’s grace will carry me through, no matter what.
Would you like to join me on this journey toward greater contentment? What journey are you on? We’d all love to hear from you as we walk through 2018 together!
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” – Lamentations 3:21-26 (NIV)
Yes, I promised you a new recipe for a tasty treat. I recently made one of our favorite desserts from our years in Scotland. I share it with you expecting you to love it, too: Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Eating it makes me a bit homesick for our lives and friends back in Aberdeen,
…but… I am more than content now, right?
GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
I like your journey word Miss Becky! CONTENT. I printed the acronym meanings out and put them on the fridge. I will use my journey word to further contemplate and walk along with you on your journey word throughout the year!
So I am sharing my journey word in hopes to pass on some inspiration to others today. A little backstory first…the word was a spiritual gift to me. Of the smallest kind. Simple and loving and heartfelt. It was hand-delivered. I felt unworthy to receive it. Then the presenter reminded me I was just the right type person to receive it. It came with two other words, yet, this word was the one that jumped off the page at me. This word was only vaguely familiar to me, as I had never considered it, never used it, and it rarely came across my path. This word intrigued me. I had to look up its’ meaning in the dictionary. That’s when I fell in love with my word. It was meant to be mine. And I knew where to place it in my life…as fuel for my faith. My journey word is:
FERVENT = Faith, Empowered, Received, Victorious, Entrusted, Never-ending, Truth
I used Becky’s idea and created an acronym to remind me of its meaning to me. I hope you all learn to love it as much as I do. It has quite a few synonyms. But these two also jumped off the page at me, “passionate intensity.” Each word powerful in itself, but put together to describe my word fervent…unyielding indeed! I study and consider all things through the lens of my word now. I sense the Holy Spirit using this word over and over again to direct my life. “Fervent” delivers love beyond measure, joy beyond pleasure. It refuels my hope and deepens my peace and ignites my work. Apostle Paul shows up again and again in every bible study arena I am part of. No mistake. Who more fervent for the Lord than Paul! So, he has become my best teacher in learning to embrace and utilize my life in a more fervent way. Enjoy my word. Let it become one of yours. And share your word that it might become one of mine! BLESSINGS TO ALL!
Miss Sharon,
Wow! “Fervent” is an amazing word and I can see how God will use it in your life! You already live it in your love for others, especially the children.
Thank you for sharing. I love how God knows exactly what is right for each of us as he calls us to more abundant life and passionate work.
Love you!