Do you remember a Robin Williams movie called Dead Poets Society? It was done in 1989 but it’s still one of my favorites. I especially loved how Robin Williams taught his students to look at things from different perspectives:  “Why do I stand up here?  I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.  You see the world looks very different up here … Just when you think you know something, you have to look at it in another way.  Even though it may seem silly or wrong, you must try.”

We need reminders that things do look different from different perspectives and that our view is indeed very limited. Because when we can’t see a solution to our problems, God already sees the perfect outcome. When we can’t understand why nothing makes sense, God already knows how beautifully everything will turn out. When we embrace this mind set, we are on the verge of learning the secret to being content in any and every circumstance.

For I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:11b-13, CEB)

There are not many people who are naturally content in any circumstance. For my surprise, not even Paul. Even he had to learn how to be content. That gives us hope, don’t you think? It is possible through Christ who strengthens us. God is more than happy to teach us how to be content in all circumstances.

The secret to being content in any and every situation is about
a) trusting God.
That he is good. That he wants good things for us. Even when everything looks awful.
and b) living in God’s grace.
When we are sustained by grace contentment is not about wishful thinking but hope based on Christ. Nothing takes away the joy of interacting with the Living God.

One way to increase your awareness of God in your life is to count your blessings. When life gets too hectic, we tend to concentrate on problems, not on blessings. We need to change our perspective to gain a new appreciation for what God is doing in our lives. So, please, do stand on your desk once in awhile. Or whatever it takes to learn to be content in any and every situation!

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for being a patient teacher.
Help us to see things from your perspective.
Teach us to be content in any circumstance.
Become our everything,
fill our hearts to the brim with your joy.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you seek to be content in any and every circumstance!

Q4U: How have you learned to be content? Let’s share the best tips!

Giving thanks today for
#891 we can learn to be always content
#892 God’s grace sustains us
#893 God’s grace empowers us
#894 God’s grace uplifts us
#895 God’s grace strengthens us
#896 God’s grace restores us
#897 God’s grace redeems us
#898 with God we have nothing to fear
#899 with God we have everything we need
#900 nothing can take away our joy in the Lord
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Photo courtesy of Josh Comer. Linking up today with Linking up today with What’s on Your Heart Tuesdays, Wordfilled Wednesday, All Things Heart & Home ,God-Bumps and God-incidences ,Work in Progress, and