Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. A few days ago, we had a dusting of snow, high winds with a wind chill factor in the teens, and today isn’t much different. Welcome to the Four Seasons of Virginia! I met with the King of all kings inside a warm farmhouse, and I gave thanks for all that He is and all that He does for me. I “relocate” this time of year for my quiet time. It’s too cold outside, my office has been repurposed, and the Christmas tree blocks my view of the fields from my living room desk. I’m not necessarily happy about the changes…BUT that’s just a selfish human reaction. Like Paul, I’ve learned to be content in all things, so a little cold, icy weather and a blocked view of the porch, all because of a beautiful Christmas tree, won’t stop me from spending time with the One who died for me. He’s my King, and I’m His child…how could I ever want for more?

It’s a blessing beyond measure to be content, but unfortunately, Genuine Contentment doesn’t come to the average Heart. The average Heart wants what it wants when it wants it, and we aren’t happy when life circumstances cause us to “relocate.” Death, debt, disease, and divorce have the potential to knock the wind out of our sails, and sometimes we question God as a result. But NONE of those things have the power to rob us of our Peace or contentment UNLESS we allow them to. The God of the Universe is already in tomorrow…nothing takes Him by surprise…AND all things really do “work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His Purpose”. If He knows our circumstances even before we do, and if He’s ready to turn the “bad” into “good” (anytime we’re ready to surrender it), then how can we not be content in all things? The secret to Genuine Contentment is understanding that He ALWAYS has a Plan for Good, no matter what it looks like to us on the outside. When you think about it, the outcome of our circumstances isn’t about whether or not He’s willing to change them…it’s about whether or not we’re willing to Trust Him instead.

Just like Paul, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty”. Although I can’t say I was necessarily joyful when I’ve been in need, I CAN say that I Trust Him with my circumstances and I believe Him when He says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” and that’s enough for me. I know what it is to sit in a cold farmhouse living without heat all winter long because I couldn’t afford to buy it – and I know what it is to turn up the thermostat to be sure my family and friends are warm when they visit. Even better yet, I know what it is to have the means to pay to keep someone else warm and cozy for the winter. I know what it feels like to struggle through this life on my own for decades and what it feels like to be responsible for every piece – AND NOW I know what it is to lock arms with my God-given Covenant partner, ready and willing to ease the burdens of the Journey of Life for me. I know what it is to be well-fed, and I’ve been blessed to have dined with “kings”, and I know what it is to be hungry and worried about what I’d feed my family. I know what it is to be surrounded by amazing people who love me and aren’t afraid to show it, and I know what it feels like to be betrayed by the “closest” ones. Despite my circumstances, I have had the favor of God ONLY because I give it ALL to Him, day after day and year after year. I have genuine Contentment because I Trust Him through it all.

There are lots of people in the world who are stressed out over the holidays. Most of them are stressed about where to find the perfect gift and how much room they have on their credit card to buy it just to please someone else. They don’t think much about the hungry (and cold) ones because they’re too focused on the sizzle. It wouldn’t occur to them to dial back their spending enough to pay a utility bill for a suffering soul, or what it would look like to modify their own food budget to provide a meal or two for a hungry family. Sadly, these people will NEVER find Genuine Contentment in life UNLESS or UNTIL the world quits revolving around them, and all those things they think they “need” become less important than meeting the needs of someone else. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” so I know that EVERY morsel I’ve shared, EVERY spare room or bed I’ve shared, EVERY penny I’ve shared to meet the needs of another I DID FOR HIM and I pray I hear “well done, good and faithful servant!” when He calls me Home. Until then, I’m content as long as I can do the work of my Lord and Savior, and I’ll give and give until there’s nothing left.

How about you?

Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.