I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it 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 this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)
Two months ago, I started noticing some vision problems. It slowly started to get worse – everything was blurry in my left eye. About 3 weeks ago, I realized I needed to go in to see my opthamologist about it to find out what was going on. He told me I had an infection and put me on some medicine, including eye drops, which cost $40.
I had some sticker shock, but paid for the eye drops because I knew they were necessary for my eyes to heal.
A few days later I went back to my eye doctor and grumbled about the cost. “Only $40??” he said. “You’re lucky! People without insurance pay over $400!”
That night, as I said my prayers before bed, I thanked God for an insurance plan that allowed me to pay such a small amount compared to others.
Yesterday, I met a friend for lunch at BiBiBop. After we got our food, we headed to the station to get our drinks and free miso soup. There was a homeless man there serving himself two take out containers of soup, some yum yum sauce, and a cup with water. He took his food and drink to a booth and sat down to enjoy his meal.
As I said my prayer to myself before eating, I thanked God for the reminder of all the blessings I have in my life. A home, clothes, food, family who support me, and more.
I’ve been so poor I’ve had to go hungry. I was so poor I had to go on food stamps and medicare. But I was also blessed because I knew there were people who would help me if things got really bad.
When I read Philippians 4:12-13, it really moved me. I loved the thought of finding contentment throughout my life. I thought about what it would look like to be content in all things.
I believe that Paul is telling us to accept our situation in life, no matter what it is.
Wikipedia says contentment “could be a state of having accepted one’s situation and is a milder and more tentative form of happiness.”
I like this definition of contentment. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t push ourselves to be better – to grow and learn – but we should also accept what we have in our life at that moment.
It’s something I struggle with though. I still think “what if….” or look to my past and wish I had done many things differently. I feel that in these verses, God is pushing me to let go of everything – to trust that He has a plan for me and I should rest securely in the knowledge that He will take care of me.
My goal now is to be content with the blessings God has given me. I’ll keep pushing myself to be better at things but will take time every day to be silent in God’s presence and focus on simply being content with my life. I want to focus on the good things in my life and I believe Paul is encouraging all of us to do the same.
It’s easy to think about those “what ifs”. From now on, I will work to let go of those and instead think about God’s love and mercy that have all led me to this wonderful place in my life.
I will be content.
Thank you, Father, for allowing me to see how blessed I am by You. Please help me remember to spend silent moments in quiet joy with You every day. You are awesome and have given me so many blessings. Thank You for all You do for me and my loved ones. Amen.