Learning Contentment

“The Queen is dead! Long live the King!” Those words reverberated around the globe as the news spread that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II had died. Having always loved all things royal, I couldn’t help but stop and consider her life.

She was never supposed to be Queen! First her grandfather became King because his older brother had died, and then her father became King because his older brother had abdicated. When he died at the relatively young age of 56, she ascended the throne as a young wife and mother. And yet she never complained, but instead embraced the responsibility that came with the crown she wore.

She learned to be content and lived a life of service to her country while at the same time holding true to her faith. “Throughout my life, the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide and in them I find hope”. (Queen Elizabeth II, August 3, 2022)

Too often in my own life, instead of being content in all circumstances, I am the exact opposite, discontent with what is or isn’t happening. I waste energy I can ill afford to lose wishing things were different than they are. I worry about things I cannot change instead of recognizing that God wants me to trust him in all things and every situation.

But Paul’s words challenge me with the thought that I can learn to be content. Isn’t that exactly what he says in this verse? “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11) I have a choice about how I respond. I can choose to trust God because he is in fact always trustworthy. Therefore, I can learn to be content.

How about you? When your life suddenly changes direction, are you willing to choose to be content and trust that God is trustworthy? What is your response when faced with the unexpected? Are you daily learning to be content, to have a thankful heart whatever the circumstances you find yourself in? Or are you discontent, wishing things were different and worrying about things you cannot change?

Thanksgiving grows out of a heart that has learned to be content whatever the circumstance. What will you choose today?

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that you are trustworthy and I can be content, regardless of the circumstances I find myself in today. Knowing that you are in control and at work changes how I view my life. Grow that contentment in me that I might rest in you and have a grateful heart. Amen.

Throughout this Day: A content heart is a thankful heart so begin to learn contentment in your life today. Daily look for things to be thankful for, and write them down. By doing this, you too can say with Paul, “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances”.