Contentment

How many women do you know who are truly content?  You can probably count them on one hand.  But if asked to name the women you know who have a spirit of discontent the list would be very long.  It seems like "contentment" has been the theme for me since January.  I have learned that even though contentment is rare it is possible.  Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 "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."
Paul lived an extrememly difficult life.  He was beaten almost to death, constantly misunderstood, and deserted by friends.  Paul's life was anything but perfect and controlled, yet he was able to say, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."  What is so exciting about this is that contentment can be learned.  This gives me hope!
If you are like me, I desire to trust God all the time but sometimes when it seems He is moving too slow I try to help Him out. Of course, he doesn't need my help or your help either!  But when we step in and try to make things happen on our own our actions are saying,, "God, your'e not doing what I think needs to be done, so I'll help you out."  When we do this it leads to having an anxious heart since we have taken our focus off the One who is in control and put our eyes on our circumstances. 
Psalm 16:5 says, "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure."  We see from this verse that whatever happens is assigned.  We can't choose what belongs to us and what shouldn't.  Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good.  If I will just accept my given portion then decisions become much easier and our heart becomes much calmer. 
God fills our cup or life with our portion, what He determines best.  Sometimes we don't like what's been poured into our cup.  Every cup, whether fancy china or rough pottery has a handle.  We either choose to grasp it by the handle and lift it to Him, saying, "I accept my poriton; I accept this cup," or we choose to smash our cup to pieces, saying, "God, I refuse my portion.  This cup is not the right size for me and I don't like what You've put in it.  I'll control my life myself."  No matter what we choose our circumstances will not change.  However, our choice will make a difference in how we walk through difficulties.  I believe that contentment is a journey.  It doesn't happen over night.  It is something that we grow into. May we all be like Paul and say, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in."