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With God all things are possible
Posts: 3917
   
| I always thought of myself as fairly content. Sure, I'm occasionally curious about what it would be like to have someone else's level of beauty, talent, wealth, or success, but it doesn't tug me too persistently.
Yet recently sourness has invaded my thoughts in another way. Instead of converting what someone else has, I dwell on what I once had, once could do, once was, and I contrast that with my new realities and limitations. Turning 62 this year self pity lurks in the space between the things I long for and the reality I live.
It's hard to stay content when we see others enjoying things we long for. But perhaps it's even more difficult to combat the longing for things we did once enjoy and no longer can. Loss is an inevitable part of life. We many face loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, loss of health and abilities. Living in contentment is a daily battle, whether we're tempted to compare to others, an ideal, or our past circumstances.
During times of significant losses, as I've laid down things that were precious to me, I've found comfort in remembering that Jesus understands loss. He set aside the glories of heaven to come to earth. Earlier in Philippians we read a description of how He " did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature servant Philippians 2:6-7
Contentment sounds like such a deceptively mellow, easygoing word. But some days it takes fierce, stubborn courage to walk in it. For any of us facing a painful loss, job, relationship, ability, health, plans, purpose, circumstances , I pray God to breath courage of gratitude into our hearts and keep nudging our focus back on Him.
Philippians 4:12-13 I know what is is to be in need, and I know what is is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
What tends to make content difficult for you? What helps you bear off the temptation of self pity?
Father God guide me today to do all things that bring glory and honor to You AMEN
For it is WITH God ALL things are possible.
Have a very Blessed day , allow God to give you strength amen  | |
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| I think this will speak to the hearts so many. As you say, loss comes in so many varied forms and can be hard to overcome. Overcome can happen through Jesus, though. Thank you, Lord!
Thanks for these words, Ladyjockey! | |
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Veteran
Posts: 194
Location: OKLAHOMA | WOW!! Thanks LJ.
Ya know if whoever reads this will just stop for a few and think. This effects so much of our lives.. I completely get the getting older and longing for how I could do things at a yonger age that are getting tougher now... It is all good. God will show us how to do things or adjust accordingly. This has been a struggle for me cause I wanted it YESTERDAY, not wait or be patient. A lot of people need to realize God does have a plan for them and it is the better option in the end. Remember it can relate to EVERY point in our lives.
Again thank you LJ. Everybody have a Blessed Day!!! | |
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Expert
Posts: 1543
Location: MI | Amen! God's timing is so perfect, always. | |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Thanks LJ. Amen. | |
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | Timing is absolutely perfect. Thank you.
Amen. | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 239
| So timely as always Sheila. I so needed to hear this today.....He truly speaks through you and I am so thankful you can provide His word to us through this board. I think that you can be more than content knowing that you are a blessing to many of us. | |
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With God all things are possible
Posts: 3917
| God BLESS ALL of you who take time to read and respond letting me know my personal journey with Jesus is helping you on yours AMEN | |
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She's a Tough One
Posts: 3199
| Wow, this one slapped me up side the head. Lol Thank you so much, much needed. | |
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Folks on-line