The other day, I came across these words from Paul:
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. -Philippians 4:11-12
Wow.
Talk about challenging.
Because seriously, content whatever the circumstances?
You mean as writers, we’re to practice contentment whether we have an agent or not? Whether we have a book deal or not? Whether we’re having a good experience with our publisher or not? Whether we have good sales or poor sales? Whether we’re writing in obscurity or writing in the spotlight?
You mean as adoptive parents, we’re to practice contentment whether we are happy with our agency or not? Whether we get a referral when we’re supposed to or not? Whether we bring our child home as scheduled or not? Whether our little ones adjust well to their new lives or struggle to bond?
Really?
God’s word says yes.
He wants us to learn contentment in every circumstance.
Because He knows something that tends to go right over our heads. At least mine.
Circumstances don’t bring contentment.
They might bring temporary excitement or happiness, but those feelings quickly fade. If we hinge our contentment on the hope of better things to come, we’ll never be content.
We’ll forever live under the assumption that if we could just get an agent, or just get a book deal, or just earn out our advance, or just win an award….
We’ll forever live under the assumption that if we could just get that referral, or just get our travel plans, or just hold our child, or just help them adjust…
Here’s the thing.
There will always be one more “just”.
Which is why these verses are worth remembering.
For writers. For adoptive parents. For pretty much anyone who lives and breathes and strives.
The source of our contentment is not our circumstances.
Does this mean we’re supposed to put on a happy face and smile when times are crummy? Does this mean that we’re not allowed to vent or cry or struggle?
Of course not. Even Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died.
It just means that at the end of the day, God wants us to rely on His strength. To rest in His grace. To trust in His goodness. To put our hope in His promises.
Through every situation. Through every season of life. Whether good or bad.
Let’s Talk: What area of your life do you struggle with the most in regards to contentment?