"Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition."
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs
My mom sent me this quote on Sunday and I have been pondering it in light of last weekend's events. It is easy to think, "Oh certainly whatever God sends my way must be good...so of course I will "freely submit" and "delight in" each situation." Once I knew that my car was beyond repair, I felt a strange sense of calmness. Instead of being flooded with negative thoughts, I began to list the positive aspects of my situation: no insurance payments, more exercise with walking, thankfulness that I have a bike. (Not to mention the fact that my mechanic bought the car, saving me the hassle of towing it again and finding someone to purchase it). For about the past month, I had made a decision on my own to start walking more and leaving my car at home on purpose--a new habit that has made the transition easier. And of course, Kern's willingness to drive me places such as the grocery store, church and out to Virginia to babysit, can certainly be listed as my greatest blessing.
Christian contentment should permeate every aspect of life--from the most seemingly insignificant details in the day to day grind to anchoring life in the most difficult times, such as sickness and death--and everywhere in between. The good news is that no problem is too small or too large for God--he cares about each one of our needs. As a result, we should feel free to bring our worries and troubles to Him and expect to be soothed by spending time with Him by reading the Bible and praying.
It is often in our weakest moments that we are the most strong and our light shines the brightest to others. As Paul says in II Corinthians 12:10, "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Make it a point to spend time with God this week--no matter how busy you are. It will refresh and recharge you and make you able to be there for others.
Christian contentment should permeate every aspect of life--from the most seemingly insignificant details in the day to day grind to anchoring life in the most difficult times, such as sickness and death--and everywhere in between. The good news is that no problem is too small or too large for God--he cares about each one of our needs. As a result, we should feel free to bring our worries and troubles to Him and expect to be soothed by spending time with Him by reading the Bible and praying.
It is often in our weakest moments that we are the most strong and our light shines the brightest to others. As Paul says in II Corinthians 12:10, "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Make it a point to spend time with God this week--no matter how busy you are. It will refresh and recharge you and make you able to be there for others.
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