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How to Be Content In Any Circumstance 8/12/2019 6:53:52 AM
In as much as perspective is everything, perhaps it is a sign of spiritual strength and growth to attempt to accept what befalls us gracefully, while trying our level best to look for the silver lining, the blessing(s) in every circumstance. “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.”
Philippians 4:12
It is easy to walk in fear and dread when things go awry. When things go wrong, we too often focus squarely on the issue at hand, whether health problems, job insecurity, broken relationships, financial challenges, or some other unwelcome situation, that befalls us, leaving us feeling vulnerable. But our perspective and bringing God into it as much as is humanly possible, regardless of situation, can and does, make a huge difference. That is not to say that God causes these things. Actually, many times it is bad decisions that we make that are the culprit causing mishaps and mayhem in our daily lives.
Poor nutrition, high risk behavior, a poor work ethic, selfishness in relationships, over spending are just a few examples of using our free will poorly and getting in over our heads. And sometimes it just ‘is what it is;’ there is no one to blame. But consider this…
It is easy to blame others or even God for what befalls us. And tough circumstances can and often do provoke questions that can rarely be answered: “Why did God do this to me?” “Why is God punishing me?” These questions are sometimes asked by people who are angry when they have serious physical illnesses or other situations arise that are beyond their control. Could it be that in such instances we would benefit from looking for answers to these questions in an attempt to have someone to blame? Could it be that finding blame is an effort to self-righteously define and defend our own perfection, our own worthiness in the eyes of God? Such folly—as we can never really be worthy of God’s love and favor. It is only through His grace that we even exist!
In as much as perspective is everything, perhaps it is a sign of spiritual strength and growth to attempt to accept what befalls us gracefully, while trying our level best to look for the silver lining, the blessing(s) in every circumstance. By so doing, we look to God as the antidote for every malady, rather than the one who causes it as punishment. In actuality, He saves us from turmoil—He is the remedy for our fear and despair. A new, healthier perspective could be: “God did not cause this illness, but he is helping me endure it through His grace. He is the reason I only needed a stent after a cardiac event rather than having open heart surgery. He is the one who has enabled me to work to find a good job that provides for my family. He is the reason I can get along with family members who are argumentative and negative at every turn. He’s The One.
Looking for godly silver linings whenever possible also helps one’s mental and physical health, as it elicits endorphins in the body for healing. It gives us life-giving hope, and is vitally important to healing and helping us cope, and be content, regardless of what transpires in our lives.
Chaplain Adele M. Gill, BSN, RN, CPC is the author of 3 inspirational books including ‘From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon, and at Barnes at Noble, in print, and Nook & Kindle versions.
