Today, I am going to be very transparent. And, to be honest, I am terrified to put myself out there, out in the open. But, I’m going to go ahead and do it…
Have you heard the song “In Christ Alone?” It is a powerful song. You can click on the link and read the whole song, but today I wanted to share with you the first part of it,
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
Now, here comes my transparency, I am not just pointing my finger at you and asking this question. I am asking because I know this is something that I am struggling with greatly right now. I so much desire to be like Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 when he says,
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.
I am not there. I want to be there, I’m just not yet. To be able to say, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content,” that would be wonderful. I want to be content. I desire to be content. But yet, I find myself struggling, struggling with desires for more.
For me, it is mostly a desire for a family, for children to raise and take care of. I’ve shared this before many times. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for almost four years. We have also been in the adoption process for about 8 months. Nothing seems to be happening in either arena and I am getting frustrated and disappointed. And I am finding myself discontent with my circumstances.
The desire might be different for you. You might desire a bigger house, or a better job for your husband, or to be able to stay at home and raise your children, or to go to the mission field, or to keep your house clean, or to have a stronger marriage. I’m not sure what you are struggling with, or if you are at all.
But, I am pretty sure that most of us struggle with some sort of discontent. So, I wanted to share that you are not alone! I am here, with you. But, I hope that you also want to be where Paul is, and what this song if talking about. We need to learn to be satisfied IN CHRIST ALONE.
What if God never gives me children? What if you never get a bigger house? What if you are never able to stay at home and raise your children? What if your husband never gets a better job? Will God still be the same? Will He still be a great and mighty God? Will you still trust in His plans for your life? Will I?
I hope that we can answer yes to those questions. And I truly hope that we can learn to be more like Paul, to be satisfied in Christ alone! We will never be perfect, this side of Heaven, but we can always strive to pick up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23)!
You know Ashley, I find that when I become content in one area, satan throws me a different area to be DIScontent in…..I'm ashamed to say that contentment seems to be just out of reach for me most days. What I have found that truly helps me stay grounded and content (for the most part) is making a solid decision to verbally thank God for all of my blessings……for there are truly many.
When Philip and I were trying to get pregnant (an almost 7 year process) I didn't know Jesus. It was VERY hard, but one thing I did know…somehow I would be around children to love. I believe the same for you and Michael. It may not be the way you desire, but God will give you the desires of your heart as long as you keep the faith, even when you feel like walking away.
HUGS & prayers!
Deb
Amen Ashley!
I share the same thought too right now. I know Jesus is more than enough that I will need. However, I always have this heart desiring for more. I really thank God for using people like you to remind me of examining myself. It will be a good prayer to have that disposition like Paul.
Let's pray for each other.
God bless you!
Ardy
Thanks for reminding me that we need to be content in everything! I never thought about wanting a better job for my husband as living in discontent, but now I do. Christ does need to be our all in all. He does need to be the only thing I need to satisfy me. Thanks for making me examine my life and strive to my satisfaction "in Christ alone"!
Thank you for this post. We are also struggling with infertility (also for four years), but I have a feeling if it weren't that, it would be something else. Thank you for helping me to refocus my thoughts.
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for reminding us that Jesus is more than enough:)
Ashley, thank you for your transparency:) Of all the areas of my life, I think the are of not having children would be the one that I would have been MOST discontent had I not had them. (Clear as mud? lol).
I know how strongly I desired to have children, so my heart breaks for women who want them so badly but struggle.
I'm not saying your post was wrong…but I did want to point out maybe (just maybe)the contentment is supposed to be IN the situation not for the situation? We certainly need to have a contentment that our situation is under His control, but I wonder if contentment means not trying to change an unpleasant situation. Does this make sense?
Hannah begged God year after year for a child…was she discontent? Rachel also cried out to God and was not content to remain childless.
Your desire to have children is a God-given desire, that I believe God plants in the heart of each woman, if sin doesn't stamp it out.
You have a mother's heart obviously, and I'm trusting that God will grant you your godly desire for children one day:)
BTW, I adopted from foster care and although it's not easy, it's not impossible either.
Um..that supposed to read, "…I think the AREA…"