LEARNING BEYOND THE POINT OF CONTENTMENT

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11 NIV)

For my dad, it was his long walk to school on the coldest day of winter in two feet of snow, The half mile walks to church leading our family seemingly were no big deal.  For me it was the times when breakfast, lunch, and dinner seemed to be in some form of potatoes that made eating low-cost, thick peanut butter and maybe jelly sandwiches something for which to be thankful.  For my older children it was “Os” in the place of Apple Jacks, “Fruities” instead of Fruit Loops, “Dots” in place of Fruity Pebbles, and “Sweet Flakes” as opposed to Frosted Flakes. But they were thankful just to have breakfast. Children and adults, during this time of an affordability crisis, they are learning how to be appreciative and truthful every time for every meal, every mode of transportation, in spite of the escalating cost. We have learned through life to say, “Thank you Lord for the food we are about to receive for the nourishment of our bodies,” and “Thank you Lord for being a God who will provide.”

In the opening verse, Paul says that he learned to be content.  Through our present-day experiences, children and adults are learning not only to be content in these difficult times, but we are learning beyond the point of contentment.  We are learning to look at our trials as trivial because God is truly on our side and He will not let trouble last always.  We are learning to be thankful for every blessing, even if others see them as something minuscule or maybe not so great.  We are learning that things that would have made us unhappy at one time can make us so happy today. I’m talking about things that the faithless, the unbeliever, see us as devasting and disgusting, and perhaps deplorable., while in fact. Do you want to know the difference between us and them? Well, the difference is that we have learned to depend up on the Divine.  And, looking at learning beyond contentment, we are learning not to complain.  The songwriter says it so well and it is easy for us to identify with his words: “I’ve had some good days.  I’ve had some hills to climb.  I’ve had some weary days and some sleepless nights.  But when I look around and I think things over.  All of my good days out-weigh my bad days. I won’t complain.” “Why are you in despair, my soul? And why are you restless within me?
Wait for God, for I will again praise Him. For the help of His presence, my God.” (Psalm 42:11 NASB)

Be thankful today my friend. Know that our learning can be classified as “Learning Beyond The Point Of Contentment.” Don’t be like God’s people as described by the inspired writer below! Be thankful! Be blessed!

“And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord” (Numbers 11:1a NKJV)

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King