This Is Good Enough!

by DelSmith on Jun. 23, 2010, under Uncategorized

You can be sure of this: whatever your conditions are today, they will certainly change. If you’re in the valley right now, there’s a mountaintop in your future. And if you’re on top of the pile right now, there’s a valley not far away. It’s the roller coaster nature of our existence. We go through ups and downs again and again.

If you can be happy only when you’re at the peak, then you’ll be happy only a small portion of your life.

Examine your life right now, and make a choice to say, “This is good enough. I can be happy right here.” Does that mean we forget about the idea bettering ourselves or bettering our situation? Of course not. We’re always pressing on toward the prize. But that’s the difference between complacency and contentment.

  • Complacency says, “I’ll accept what I have and I won’t try any harder for anything better.”
  • Contentment says, “Even though I haven’t reached the finish and haven’t yet fulfilled all my dreams, I can fully appreciate and fully enjoy this step in the journey.”

Look at your situation with the eyes of contentment. Recognize the presence of God in the details of your life. Accept each day with a sense of gratitude. Face each moment with a sense of assurance, knowing that whether this is easy or not, you can endure it through Christ who gives you strength.

Richard Carlson is a psychologist who worked for many years as a stress consultant. He wrote Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (And It’s All Small Stuff). He said that one of the most destructive mental tendencies he has seen in people is that of focusing on what they want rather than what they have. Those who say, “I’ll be happy once this desire is met,” just find something new to want and delay their happiness a little longer.

Carlson says that there is a way to be happy. It is to stop focusing on what you want, and focus instead of what you have. 

Decide to appreciate all that there is to appreciate in each and every moment of your life.

Carol
Jun. 23, 2010

“…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content…” Philippians 4:11(b) NKJV One day, like Paul, I’ll be able to say this. For now, I am still working on it, but making progress. I feel very content and peaceful right now, just enjoying today’s gift. Have a blessed day!

James Marcellus
Jun. 23, 2010

Philippians 4:5-11 (New International Version)
5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

When we speak about ;contentment, as these scriptures state we need to be content with what we have, not where we are at. If we want to grow we must be content with God, because if we are content with the Father then the needs we have will be met.

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