Contentment is something I’ve struggled a lot with over the years. While I feel that the Lord has indeed revealed some truths to me in the this area, I still have a lot to learn, and this is why I’m so excited that this fall my moms’ Bible study is going to be reading Calm my Anxious Heart, by Linda Dillow.
Just in the first chapter, I was blown away by a couple of things. First she mentions a list of five statements written by a wise, godly woman who had discovered a few things about contentment herself. Here they are:
- Never allow yourself to compain about anything — not even the weather.
- Never picture yourself in any other circumstance or someplace else.
- Never compare your lot with another’s.
- Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
- Never dwell on tomorrow — remember that tomorrow is God’s, not ours.
Now, I’d venture to stay that every struggle I have and have had is related to one of those statements. I’m really excited for what the Lord has in store for me through this book.
One more thought from Chapter 1:
How does God enable us to be content? He infuses contentment into us through His Word. As it seeps into our minds, it transforms us. Just as a cup of tea gets stronger when we give it time to steep, so we become more content when we spend time in God’s word and allow it to seep into our lives, transforming us to be like Him. (p. 15)
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Thanks for sharing from your Bible study. I am going to copy those five statements and really try to apply them to my life. Discontentment really does rob us from the joy that God intends for us to have in our daily life!
Thanks for sharing, Nicole! It reminds me of one of the Bible verses I had Sean Jr memorize: Do everything without complaining or arguing Phil 2:14 I need to remember that too. It really doesn’t help the situation to complain about it, it just continues the negativity as you mull over it longer. It’s so hard to be joyful and thankful in all of our circumstances, but it would make our lives that much more enjoyable (and for the others who are around us too). Thanks for the conviction and encouragement.
Ill have to check this book out! I could sure use a dose of these lessons!
I concur! In fact I have this book and think I will do it along with you at home. Maybe we could do some responses on your blog if any others want to read the book and do questions on their own?? Anyone interested??
I read your post earlier this morning and have been thinking of it ever since! Thanks for sharing. I think I need to read that book:)
I’ve to confess that also myself struggled for contentment. This blog made me stop and think for a while. Mainstay Ministries Then, I realized it is true. Thank you so much for sharing!
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