Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.Philippians 4:11
I have struggled more with this basic concept than perhaps any other in Christian living.
How does one measure contentment?
How can a person who considers themselves to be ambitious also be content?
Thus far, contentment, by most definitions, has eluded me in adulthood.
I want to be content.
It would seem that Chris and I have landed in a new state.
I have to ask, at the risk of sounding mutinous to the Bible, was the state of 'limbo' in existence during Biblical times?
And if 'Limbo' did exist back then, how did Paul manage to be content there?
9 comments:
Don't ask me. Limbo is something I don't deal well with.
Put some music on and we can make it a party.
What are you meaning by "limbo"?
Are you meaning you are in an inbetween place? not knowing what to do?
I know Paul looked at the eternal and not at the temporal things. Maybe that is how he was able to to manage to be content. Let me know your thoughts.
Paul learned to be content where God had him. Never content at where he was in Christ. Always seeking to go even deeper still. Aware that where he was, was on purpose...he learned to look for the purpose and flourish.
Too vague for me. "Whatever state" must include limbo, if you ask me. I agree with Nanna when she said that Paul was focused on the eternal and that's how he can be content. Whatever limbo you are going through, it will pass and knowing that, and that eternity is what matters, can help you be content now.
i'm praying for you, friend. we need to hang out soon and talk about your "Limbo." you are one of the most patient people i know. i am blessed to know you. i know the Lord is working out your situation. how? it's a mystery. but i know He's doing it. He promises. our God never breaks a promise.
You will find your way...be ambitious and adventurous. All things are possible.
I always said we were to be content, even when we were in IL - as that was the state we were in. And we were - we did not want to be living there, but we were content, had joy and were very happy - simply because we knew God wanted us there at that time. MARME's statement is so true!
I judge my "contentedness" by the amount of peace I feel in my life at any given moment.
In the midst of great uncertainty, (which I am smack dab in the middle of) I am learning to keep my eyes on Jesus, instead of arguing with my problem.
Jesus is also teaching me to go to bed earlier, instead of eating my night away.
Here lately I have been reading Psalms 121. It has been like refreshing water to my tired thirsty lips.
I know that I am not where I should be yet in Christ, but I am much farther than I used to be.
love you and praying for you,
kimmie
Okay, I was going to leave you a comment about "limbo" and "content" but I confused myself, so I'll just say that I am praying for you. I don't know exactly how to articulate it, but my heart bears witness with yours and aches for your situation. Just remember that Paul's broken, bruised imprisoned body was not the part of him that was content. It was his state of relationship with the One in which he stood for.
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