“You‘re blessed when You’re content with just who you are-no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought”
It’s short and to some it may be simple, however the prayer “Dear Heavenly Father, please make me content” has been the most sincere, desperate, and powerful prayer that I have ever prayed. For weeks it was a prayer that I prayed daily; and at the time it was a cry for growth, clarity, and peace. Over the past year and a half it is a prayer that I have seen change my outlook and approach to how I handle daily life.
My idea of contentment was always what I would call simple. After a significant amount of time praying, reflecting, and talking about the concept of contentment and I have come to realize that it is not that simple at all. It is complex and requires work, the type of personal work that takes time and vulnerability.
Contentment for me was always circumstantial … dependent on my perception of whatever was going on in my life. It was based solely on my emotions and required nothing from me. My contentment was simply just a reaction; a reaction to a good day, a major milestone, a good conversation, good weather, or a nice time. Content was the word that I used to describe my happiness and/or satisfaction. Naturally, this type of contentment felt good, and I would be totally thrown off the moment that whatever it was that was making me “content” ended or disappeared.
I have come to realize that contentment is not and should not be circumstantial, it requires a constant understanding that God is in control, and everything that happens in life is a part of a greater plan that we might not always see or understand. Contentment requires that we fully embrace the not so nice moments in life; the moments we feel lost, afraid, hopelessness, lonely, and/or overwhelmed. Oddly, I think it requires that we find some comfort in situations that are not at all that comfortable. It also requires that we also continue to recognize and embrace moments of immense joy and comfort.
What I have come to realize is that contentment is the perfect peace that God promises us, a peace that is not dependent on life circumstances. I challenge you to pray for contentment, as you continue to work towards fulfilling your goals and dreams, and the purpose God has for you. Content women of God are powerful women of God.
