Content in Whatever State I'm In?!

“For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11b

Content in whatsoever state I am in? Seriously? Paul, did you never stop to think that in a couple thousand years people would be living in circumstances that called for discontentment?

Sure he did. The circumstances those first century Christians lived under were terrible.

But isn’t that the point? God knows our situations. He knows our hearts and what’s ahead. He asks that we not complain, but be content; no matter how hard it is.

As I write this I’m once again couch ridden. (Second time this year)  I have Lyme disease, as I’ve mentioned before. My health issues have risen to such a climax I’m forced to put myself on ‘house arrest’. Ha. Ha.

I haven’t been to church in four months. Yes, you read that correctly: four months. I can’t tell you how much I miss my church family. I want to go fellowship with them, worship the Lord in one accord, but I’m physically not capable.

I had to stop teaching piano; that was a no-brainer. I can’t get upstairs to my room, don’t have the strength. My energy fluctuates, right now it is on the down. I can’t sing either. The last time I sang a song I passed out. That’s how bad it is.

I could continue giving you details of my current situation. The reactions I have gotten are responses full of pity, sympathy, sorrow, and pain filled eyes for me. I’m grateful for that, but I stopped bemoaning my situation a year ago. The Lord showed me, and helped me apply that verse to my life! It was a very vital lesson.

Yes, I would love nothing more than for all of this to go away. I so badly want to resume my normal life. I want to be my bubbly, energetic, vivacious self.  With the lack of energy it’s hard to be that way. Not to mention I’m in pain all the time; that doesn’t always help.

I’m content with my current state. I know this is where the Lord wants me. I have no doubt about that. He knew what was ahead and He prepared me for it the last time I was on the couch. That was only a practice run, so to speak.

Sure, having insomnia is not fun, but I am learning to make the most of it. I write better at night anyway, so why not use it to the fullest?
The Lord is teaching me to take the worst of situations and find the best in them and use it for His glory. Amazing things happen. That’s what I’m here for, to serve and glorify the Lord. He allowed this illness to happen, I’m not going to blame and curse Him. No! Never! Instead, I am choosing to love and serve Him. Give Him the glory for what is happening. The Lord has done wonders in my life before this, He can do it again. I believe He will.