Contentment

I haven’t had the time to write much over this past week, so I do not have a “prepared” study. Usually I would like to take an hour or two and study on a certain topic, write out my findings and conclusions, and then make extra tweaks and changes to finally share. But I believe this message is just going to come from Yahweh’s heart through me on a whim without any study. I want to speak from my heart and propose some things that I would like feedback on. 

The other day I was talking with a good friend, and our discussion started out with feeling like a failure, not sure what the purpose of life is, and feeling oppressed daily. She began expressing to me the difficulties that she has been facing, and I was trying to think of the right words to say to comfort and encourage her amidst her troubles. As I continued to listen, I began to relate to much of what she was talking about. I realized that I had not noticed some of the things I was dealing with, and some of the things that needed to change. When I was pouring my heart out and helping her understand things from a different perspective, I wasn’t just talking to her, I was talking to myself as well. How do we deal with our weaknesses? How do we accept our weaknessess? What do we do when we don’t understand anything that is going on around us? When life just completely consumes every part of you and you are left with fear, doubt, confusion, a negative mind, etc.; how do you deal with those feelings?

What is your greatest weakness? Perhaps it’s perfectionism, lack of faith, or fear? Think of the greatest weakness that you have. Have you ever considered that your greatest weakness can be your greatest strength? Let’s say you struggle with having a lack of faith. If you know this, and recognize that it is a weakness, then you can attempt to grow stronger in your faith, which will become a strength in the end. We often condemn ourselves because we can’t do this or we’re not strong enough to do that. I don’t have enough faith so God will punish me. Self-condemnation is not of Yahweh, nor is it what He wants from us. I believe that we need to first recognize our weaknessess, and then accept them knowing that He wants us to strive with our whole being to turn our weakness into our strength. He will, of course, help us through this process as sometimes it’s the hardest thing to do. 

Another thing that I talked about with my friend is this: What is my purpose in living? To some, this is an easy answer. Of course our purpose is to live for Yahweh and be His willing vessel. We are here to live and breathe for Him, to bring Him glory, and further His Kingdom. But there is much more depth to this question. Some may have been desperately looking for a job for months, some may be working at a job they don’t want to be working at, some may have lost their job. Our job life causes much stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Sometimes even more than we realize. Maybe you don’t have much of a life outside of your work. To add to things, your Spiritual life seems dead with little activity involved. You hardly have time for God. You hardly make time for God. You try so hard to please God and honor Him, but you just feel like you should be doing more. All these things weigh upon you each and every day. Those thoughts of, “what is my purpose”, “I feel like a failure”, “what do I live for” start overwhelming you to the point where you just won’t be able to handle any more. The best thing to do in these types of situations, in my opinion, is to be okay and content with where you are. Don’t believe those lies that the enemy is whispering into your ear about who you are or aren’t. If you really desire to live your life for God, then make Him number one priority in your life. Pray throughout your day, while you’re at work, while you’re at home. Don’t dwell on your problems and difficult circumstances. Rather give them to Yahweh and trust Him to take care of things. Of course this is easier said than done; but it is well worth doing. Even if you’re not having a super difficult time through life right now, you can still praise God that He is giving you His sustaining love, joy, and peace. Continue to praise and honor Him throughout your day. As you do so, you will begin to feel the weights being lifted off your shoulders and you will be able to see more clearly, as you’ve allowed the enemy no more room in your heart and mind. Being content with where you are is very important. If you are not where you would like to be, there is a solution. Find that solution with His help, and you will see a huge difference take place before you know it. 
I would love to hear what your thoughts or experiences are about these things that I’ve just discussed. I’m still learning how to handle things like this, as it can be very difficult. I would love to hear your thoughts as well. 🙂

1 Timothy 6:6 
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

2 Corinthians 12:10
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”