Contentment In The Valley

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 everything through him who gives me strength. (Philipians 4:10-13 NIV)

In this life, there will be times when we find ourselves in situations and circumstances that we wish we didn't have to endure. The comfort in the matter is that as Born Again, Blood Washed Believers - We don't have to go through them alone. Being saved does not shield us from trouble. But having Christ on our side assures us that whatever life throws our way that we can overcome because He said that we are more than conquerors.

Just this week I was faced with an incredibly difficult decision. The decision I had to make would not just affect me but my family, friends and those closely connected to me. I know my family and friends love me and want the best for me but there are some decisions that we have to make for ourselves. Our loved ones want the best for us and they love us but Jesus loves us more. That's why we are to acknowledge God in all of our ways so that He can direct our paths. As wise and knowledgeable as people may be, they don't know what every part of the puzzle looks like - only God knows.

I've come to the conclusion that there are some things that we are just going to have to go through. When we enlisted in this Christian army, we knew that we were going to have to take some hits. We knew that the enemy wasn't fighting a fair fight but waging a guerrilla warfare. Yet, once immersed in battle we often find ourselves ready to retreat. There is no turning back. There is no time to give way to the enemy. If we give him an inch we'll take a mile. So we have to steadfast firm in what we believe.

Because I know that I can make it with Jesus, those valleys aren't so low anymore. Jesus lifts me up. I may not have everything I want the way I want it but He supplies all of my needs. I stand complete in Him. I may even still physically be in the same place with the same dilemma I was in when I started but spiritually and supernaturally - I'm elevated above it all.

When we find ourselves beginning to grow discouraged and tired in well doing we must remember that the Word of God tells us that we will reap if we faint not. That means that we have to continue to press even when we don't feel like pressing or see an end in sight. That means that we have to learn to be content when everything around us is beginning to look bleak. Only Jesus can give us that contentment in the valley.