Rest in the Arms of Jesus

Practicing gratefulness to find contentment.

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13 ESV

Last night we received a call from my oldest son who is married and has a 2-year-old daughter. He is in the Army National Guard. The message was, he is being sent off to a disclosed location and most likely will not be able to reach out to family. It’s the phone call that creates a tight uncomfortable feeling deep down in the pit of your stomach. Your heart starts to ache with an immediate emotion of panic. It is difficult to pull yourself up off the floor to find gratitude in the situation. However, if I don’t want to tread through the deep waters of stress and worry, it is the very thing I need to do.

You see, God doesn’t like us to worry. God wants us to turn to his son in times of need. Jesus offers to lighten the burden for us. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Evil resides in the world, which is why I immediately worry with fear. But Jesus has already won the eternal victory over sin for us. “The fear of the Lord leads to life; one will sleep at night without danger.” Proverbs 19:23 CSB. I don’t know about you, but I could use a good night’s sleep with this news. I will practice trusting and placing my faith in Jesus. And when I kneel before him in prayer, it is not just for the now or here on this wretched earth, but for my eternal life.

Throughout my day I will practice gratefulness so that I may find contentment. Gratefulness is being thankful for what I have. Contentment is being satisfied with what I have. The practice of gratitude will lead to contentment because it safeguards us from a feeling of disappointment no matter our situation. It also helps when I reflect on where I have witnessed God in the past remove my son out of the bottomless pit and rise him in God’s favor in faithfulness. I find my confidence in God’s strength through these memories in my weak times. I remind myself; it is possible to find contentment in difficult times.

What do you need to turn over to Jesus to find contentment?

God,
I love that you hear my voice when I call out to you. I will call on you as long as I live, for I know that you walk through the darkest valley with me. I will fear no evil, for you are with me. You comfort me in difficult times. I lift up my eyes to where my help comes from. Deliver me from all my fears. Relieve the troubles of my heart and bring me out of my distress. I will be thankful and satisfied knowing I am in your care. Amen!