On most nights while tucking my 9 y/o daughter in, we take a few minutes and dive into God’s word. This is usually followed by a short impromtu discussion on the verse(s) we’ve just read. She loves God’s word and so enjoys reading it. It is truly a joy to see & hear!

Recently we read most of Philippians 4. As we finished, I went back to verses 11-13:

“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13″

I read it again v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y , hoping she would soak up the richness of this verse. Hoping she would glean the fullness of contentment.

Discussion started with a simple question for her, “what is contentment?”

Daughter: Being full?

Daddy: Being full can be part of it…I guess. What else?

Daughter: Being satisifed?

Daddy: Yes. Paul wants us to learn how to be satisfied in every situation, whether we are in good times or bad times, we need to understand that we can and should be content or satisfied.

Daddy: Last question, are you content?

Daughter: YES…when I am sleeping!

We talked for a while longer about and hopefully she will start working on contentment during the daylight hours as well!

As I write this and think about contentment, I know God had something for me in there too. He always does.

You see, I’m not very good at being content in every situation.

Often I want to “take control” and try to improve the situation a little bit here & there.

More times than not, I feel like I deserve better or more or whatever…

But I am learning that I can live without most of the “stuff” I think I deserve. I’m also learning that most of the “stuff” doesn’t actually make things better. Sometimes it can make things worse.

Lord, thank you for Your rich and powerful words. I can do all things THROUGH Christ who strengthens me. Not of my own accord, but according to Your will. In Jesus name, Amen.