AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER
IRONWIFEY MAGAZINE
THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT
15
ARE YOU CONTENT WHERE YOU ARE?
TNEMTNETNOC - 6 EUSSI- 7102 REBMEVON
LOOK AT YOUR LIFE THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES
BEING CONTENT WITH GOD'S PLANS FOR OUR LIVES
CONTENT(S) BEGIN YOUR CONTENTMENT JOURNEY 03
ARE YOU CONTENT WHERE YOU ARE? AUTHOR: ADEBOSOYE OLAGBEGI
05
MY PLAN VS. GOD'S PLAN: BEING CONTENT WITH GOD'S PLANS FOR OUR LIVES AUTHOR: CHRISCYNTHIA WOODERT-CALHOUN
07
A DIALOGUE ON CONTENTMENT
09
MY LIFE THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES
AUTHOR: NCEDIWE MDLULWA
AUTHOR: DENISE DANDRIDGE
11
REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE AND BE CONTENT: THE STORY OF MOSES & DAVID AUTHOR: ELSONIA SWARTS
13
CONTENTME(A)NT
15
THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT
AUTHOR: MICAYLA ROBERTSON
AUTHOR: JOANNE CHRSITIAN 17
BEING CONTENT WITH LIFE AS IT IS AUTHOR: ELSONIA SWARTS
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Thank you for reading the "Contentment" edition of IronWifey Magazine. Contentment requires acceptance, complete trust in God, and death to comparison. Whether you are in a state of abundance or a state of despair, contentment can release any cares or worries from your life. I pray that you cast your cares on the Lord and learn to be content. May the Lord lead you down the path He has for your life, and may you find peace abundantly in your state of contentment. As you read, you will notice that Philippians 4:11-13 is a common theme throughout this issue. I want you to meditate on the words on Paul and truly adopt His thinking as you take on any trials that you may face throughout your life: Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. May the Lord be with you and bless you! With Love,
-Micayla WWW.IRONWIFEY.COM
Editor in Christ, IronWifey Magazine
YET TRUE GODLINESS WITH
CONTENTMENT IS ITSELF
GREAT WEALTH.
1 TIMOTHY 6:6 NLT
PAGE 3
ARE YOU
IW MAGAZINE
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
CONTENT
Contentment.
What does it mean to be content?
WHERE YOU ARE? For me, I know my thoughts are my greatest enemy when it comes to experiencing contentment in my life. But I also know they can be my greatest strength. So from now on, I'm going to be all about 2 Corinthians 10:5:
The dictionary defines contentment as, “ the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind.” I like the last part; ease of mind. Lately, I’ve been quite dissatisfied. Earlier in the year I was praying for a new job. It took a while, but I finally got the job I had been praying for! But recently, I find myself desperate for the weekends, and when the weekend comes I'm discontent because I know where I have to be on Monday. The funny part is I actually like my job, but I also know I want more in life. What I’ve discovered about myself is that I'm hardly at ease, and I'm always eager to get onto the next thing. I rarely take the time to enjoy my current situation, and really take in where I am. Whenever I'm giving a presentation, or talking to a group of people, I'm always told that I talk really fast. (I honestly think I talk so fast because I want to be done, and get whatever I'm doing over with.) I always want what's next which has caused a lot of dissatisfaction in my life, and puts my mind in a whirlwind. But ease of mind. . . I want that for my life. I want to be content where I currently am. Not that I don't want more for my life, but I want to experience every part of my life. I don't want to reach the end of my life and realize that I was constantly chasing the next thing, and never actually enjoyed the journey of life itself. So how am I going to work on being content? By working on my thoughts!
By: Adebosoye Olagbegi
Jesus
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Every thought that's not letting my mind be at ease is getting snatched from my mind and coming under submission to the word of God! I know God has so much purposed for us and I know he's going to do so much in all of our lives. But every season of our lives has purpose, and I know God doesn’t want us to be discontent in the our current season. Contentment is ours!
Father, I thank you for who you are and I thank you for how far you brought me in my life, and I thank you for where you're taking me. Please help me to be content with where I am now, while being expectant about my future! Thank you Lord!
MY LIFE THROUGH STARTING A MAGAZINE M Y EYES HEAVEN'S
V S
G O D 'S
BY: CHRISCYNTHIA WOODERT-CALHOUN
PAGE 5 PAGE 13
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
IW MAGAZINE
I had a plan, and I was determined that it was going to go a certain way, take a certain amount of time and conclude with a specific result. This was my big plan to change my life and circumstances. Nevertheless, my plan had one major flaw - it was not God’s specific plan for my life.
MY PLANS VS. GOD'S PLANS
Contentment: Being Content With God's Plans For Our Lives “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.” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV). What I had not factored into my big plan was the simple reality that God is ultimately in control of our entire existence. Therefore, even though my plan was basically sound and led of God, there was still the undeniable fact that my timing was not His. Hence, when I started to make moves to close out one chapter and move on to the next one, the Lord constantly put the brakes on my efforts. As Christians, we are tasked daily with the duty of checking in with God to ensure we are making choices that are in accordance with His will, not our own. Taking a leap of faith, and against all odds, I requested “Leave Without Pay” (LWOP) in July 2014, to complete the remaining social work classes and internship required for my undergraduate degree. Once I graduated the following June and returned to work, I knew I still needed to acquire my Masters in Social Work, so that I could start actively working in my chosen field. However, having just returned to work after being absent for almost a year, I decided I would need to transfer to a position where I could get a graveyard tour of duty so I would be free during the day. Determined to pursue this avenue, I started looking for graveyard shift positions within the federal government where I have been employed for over 12 years. This change would allow me the availability needed to complete my MSW; which includes an internship of 21 to 24 hours per week. Unfortunately, desirable graveyard shift positions are usually hard to find, since they are quite coveted in the VA system, so I decided to take a job with a promotion instead. My plan was to pay off bills, save some money and wait to go back to college the following year. This plan of mine sounded reasonable, and therefore achievable. After a few months of submitting multiple applications on USAJobs, I was indeed selected for a job with a promotion. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, I would later realize), I would need to relocate from West Los Angeles VA to the VA Palo Alto System, located in the Bay Area a little over 350 miles away. I discussed the proposed move with my biological and church family, and close friends. Throughout the process, I continuously prayed for guidance, strength, financial miracles and protection – especially, when it became clear to me that this move was truly of God.
MY PLANS VS. GOD'S PLANS
IRONWIFEY.COM
ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER
PAGE 6
On Monday, March 7, 2016, I started my new position, and a new chapter of my story. During the ensuing months, I discovered a side of myself that I did not know existed. Truly, the most encouraging of these uncovered treasures was my ability to find peace and contentment in God’s plan when my own fell far short of my goal. During this time in Northern California, I have learned quite a bit about myself. Throughout my “northern sojourn” I have lived and dined mostly alone, enjoyed a film (also alone), and come to truly cherish my own company. I have done lots of urban hiking and “had a little talk with Jesus” on hilltops, in historical monuments, forts, museums and as I crossed lots of bridges over water. To my utter delight, this all-abiding contentment, has radiated into every area of my life, and many of the doubts, fears, suspicions and anger I carried. It feels like all of my cumbersome, unwanted luggage is finally being unpacked. Lastly, and I believe, most importantly, my prayer life and faith in God’s healing and redemptive powers have gone through the roof. In some of my darkest hours, I consistently embrace this renewed “attitude of gratitude” that gets me through the toughest situations.
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. -Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV)
PAGE 7
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
A DIALOGUE ON CONTENTMENT
IW MAGAZINE
By: Ncediwe Mdlulwa
THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN MYSELF AND GOD As a child in school: Lord, please help me to pass and progress to the next grade. Thereafter, please help me to get to varsity/college
THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN MYSELF AND GOD AFTER SELF-INTROSPECTION! Asking the Lord: Father, what does the bible teach about contentment? Lord what does contentment mean?
As a varsity student: Lord, please help me get through my first year and progress to the next year(s) until I graduate from the institution
Does it mean being satisfied and happy in life?
Post Graduation: Lord please help me find a job.
If I am happy and satisfied, does that make me content?
(While God is digesting that, I STILL go on to say. . .)
Why do I find myself constantly wanting and asking for more?
Oh AND Lord please help me to... of course, find a life partner, marry him as my husband, and have kids.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV
AND... then have this... AND... afterwards have that... AND... THEN… The list literally goes on and on... EVERYDAY! Like really!! … EVERY SINGLE DAY! It’s difficult at times not getting what you want at that point in time and sometimes I feel like I'm nothing but a noise maker to the Lord. So, I choose to reflect on my behavior and change up the dialogue between myself and God.
Asking Myself: Am I... happy? or Am I satisfied?
I may not have all the answers, but I do know that it is true to say all these things we try to FILL in our lives aren't necessarily bad things, but when they become the end goals, and the reason for our being, we end up being discontent because those things were never meant to FULFILL us. The only place we can really find true FULFILLMENT and CONTENTMENT is in Christ.
By immersing oneself with the word of God, we receive peace of mind because when we have Christ, we literally have EVERYTHING we will ever need in accordance to God’s will and purpose. We will no longer become solely focused on asking for this and that because our main focus will be on pleasing our Heavenly Father. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 KJV Paul said in Philippians 4:1213, “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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Therefore, it is true when they say a poor man becomes rich when he finds contentment. Contentment is about valuing what you have and what we have is CHRIST.
MY LIFE STARTING AÂ MAGAZINE THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES
BY: DENISE DANDRIDGE
PAGE 9
W
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
hen I think of the word contentment I am overcome with a rush of emotions, because that is one area in my spiritual life that is still a work in progress. Not that I am discontent or dissatisfied with my life, quite the contrary. I have a wonderful life and God has blessed me beyond measure. I am so grateful for the love, grace, covering, mercy, peace and favor that the Lord has shown me, and showered upon me, that I prayerfully thank him every day. I know how far God has brought me, and I have grown and matured into a strong Christian woman that strives daily to embody the characteristics of the proverbial Virtuous woman. To be the best Mother, best sister, best friend, best person, and the best version of me I can possibly be, but I know that I am still far from perfect. I struggle with contentment not because I question or doubt God's love or his promises to me, but because it requires me to always be in the PRESENT. I no longer burden myself with situations from the past: past mistakes, past hurts, past regrets, unrealized dreams, things that I may or may not have seen, done or obtained. I have been delivered from all of those things. But as I strive to reach higher heights and raise the bar in the various aspects of my life, I can't help but to project my perceptions and thoughts about my life into the future, of how things might be, or in other words putting the proverbial cart ahead of the horse. That is my dilemma at this point in my life where contentment is concerned.
IW MAGAZINE
My natural senses which determine my opinions, perspectives, and attitudes about my life, are unfortunately still connected to my earthly eyes, which are also subjected to societal judgement, standards and views. Society breeds discontentment. Everywhere you turn the world is pushing for, More Beauty, More Money, More Education, a bigger house, a better car, or a more passionate relationship. Enough never seems to be quite enough, resulting in being robbed of your happiness because of feelings of deprivation. I refuse to allow that to happen to me. I know that in order to be completely content and to see myself and my life through heavenly eyes requires a full rewrite, reprogram and reboot of my earthly senses, attitudes and perceptions. I literally have to remove the clouded lenses that were impairing my vision and fully comprehend just how much God loves me and how he sees me. (1 Samuel 16:7). I have to remember always that the Lord will never leave or forsake me, (Hebrews 13:5), that I cannot be influenced by the world (Romans 12:2). I have to set my mind on things above and not on things of the earth. (Colossians 3:2), because as my vision is sharpened my priorities will change and so many of the things that I thought were important will plummet to the bottom of that list. Having Heavenly eyes means that when things aren't ideal I cannot become fixated on those problems. At the end of day I have to be content with every circumstance. (2 Corinthians 4:18). I know in my flaws and weaknesses, I can find strength in Christ and I know what I need to do to seal my victory over my contentment issue. The great thing is that knowing is half the battle. By knowing, I am able to align myself with God’s Word, and confident approach Him in prayer. My prayer is for continued abstinence from worldly temptations and for God to keep me grounded and in the PRESENT, seeking first his kingdom (Matthew 6:33). And when I fall short, and as a human I will, that my Lord would charge it to my head and not my heart.
IRONWIFEY.COM
ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER
PAGE 10
God alone knows my future and it doesn't matter how much I project or plan, my desire is that his perfect will be done in my life. I am certain like everything else, I will continue to follow where he leads me. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer (Psalms 18:2). My heart rejoices and will always find Contentment in knowing my Heavenly Father's grace will forever cover me regardless of my faults. His love will always sustain me. So when I question how my life aligns with this topsy turvy world we live in, I will reflect on the lyrics below from a 1998 DreamWorks film song written by Stephen Schwartz (and performed in the Prince of Egypt) entitled, "Through Heaven’s Eyes" . A song whose lyrics alone remind me of what truly matters most.
"So how can you see what your life is worth or where your value lies, you can never see through the eyes of man, you must look at your life through Heaven's eyes".
PAGE 11
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
IW MAGAZINE
REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE AND BE CONTENT: STARTING A MAGAZINE THE STORY OF MOSES AND DAVID By: Elsonia Swarts
MOSES
In the book of Exodus we meet Moses, the character assigned by God to speak to Pharaoh and ask him to release the people of Israel from slavery. Moses was reluctant to obey the assignment from God and constantly came up with excuses as to why he couldn’t do what was requested from him. Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11 NLT) But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled. (Exodus 4:10 NLT) Moses failed to realize that what he had, his abilities, were more than enough for him to accomplish the assignment he was tasked with. He failed to realize that God’s grace was sufficient for him. When the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?”, and Moses replied, “A shepherd’s staff,” (Exodus 4: 2-3 NLT) Moses didn’t think much of what he had. He underestimated the power of God that was able to do exceedingly more than anything we can think or pray for. God had to assure him that with what he had, he could perform miracles:
DAVID
And take your shepherd’s staff with you, and use it to perform the miraculous signs I have shown you. (Exodus 4:17 NLT) In contrast to the character of Moses, we are introduced to David, a character in the book of Samuel. David was content with what he had and he trusted in the power of God. David knew that the God within him was greater than anyone and anything in the world, hence he jumped to the opportunity to fight the giant Goliath. He didn’t make any excuses, he didn’t say that he couldn’t do it because he was young, or that he was not as physically strong as Goliath. David knew that all he needed was the full armor of God. He protested with Saul who gave him a bronze helmet and coat of mail. He tried on the clothes he was given, but took them off again. The Word of God, says that David picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and a sling he started across the valley to fight the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:38-40 NLT). With what he had, the stone and the name of the Lord, David was able to defeat Goliath.
IRONWIFEY.COM
ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER
PAGE 12
David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies- the God of armies of Israel, whom you have defied. And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us. (1 Samuel 17: 45-47 NLT)
Be content and know that God has your back. Don’t underestimate the power of God and the abilities he has bestowed upon you!
PAGE 13
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
IW MAGAZINE
CONTENTME(A)NT
By: Micayla Robertson
Every year on my birthday, the Lord gives me a theme to focus on throughout my next year of age. Last year, at 23, my focus was simple obedience and spiritual gifts. This year my focus is contentment. I want to tell you a story about what the Lord recently revealed to me regarding contentment: It was a Sunday afternoon and I just finished working a 7am-3pm shift. Like most work days, I said goodbye to my co-workers, clocked-out, and headed to car. Typically, I like to listen to music throughout my 15 minute commute home, but this afternoon, I sat in silence and asked the Lord to show me what it looks like to be content. I repeated the scripture Paul taught about contentment over and over in my mind: Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:11-13 NLT I got off on my exit and out of nowhere began to yell the word “CONTENTMENT” out loud. CONTENTMENT !!! CONTENTMENT . . . CON-TENT- MENT . . . If you were in the car next to me, you’d probably think I was crazy, as I appeared to be yelling at the air! CONTENTMENT!!!! CONTENT . . . C-O-N-T-E-N-T . . CON-TENT . . . That’s when it hit me! It was as clear as day and as if the Lord was right there speaking to me!
The word content as Paul explains it, shares the exact same spelling as the word content (pronounced con-tent), regarding material created in order to relay a message or submit a call to action. God was showing me that in order for me to remain in a state of contentment, I must focus on the con-tent that He has given me through his Word and placed inside of me to carry out. His content is His Word. It leads and guides us through this earth and show us how to handle any and every situation. It’s our direct lifeline to Christ and contains basic instructions for God’s children to follow. His con-tent stands true today and is given to us so that we can be content. In addition, our father also gives us con-tent to create.
IRONWIFEY.COM
ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER
For the Lord is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. “I am the Lord,” he says, “and there is no other. - Isaiah 45:18 NLT Just as our Heavenly Father is a creator, we as his children were created in His image to be just like him (Genesis 1:26 NLT). We are to imitate our father, accept the power he gives us through creation, and fearlessly create content that glorifies Him and satisfies our constant search for purpose. The key to my contentment is creating contentmeant to inspire and sharpen others in Christ. It’s focusing on the Word of God and IronWifey and not comparing myself to anyone or my content to anything. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. - Galatians 6:4 NLT
PAGE 14
Through creation I’ve discovered purpose and no longer feel like I’m searching for contentment. My content focuses on God’s content and it brings me meaning and fulfillment. Through simple obedience, I’ve learned to remove my selfish desires and allowed the Lord into my heart to lead me. Through spiritual gifts, I embrace my desire to seek wisdom, to teach, speak, encourage and write, which started a magazine that glorifies God. Every year on my birthday, the Lord gives me a theme to focus on throughout my next year of age. This year, through contentment, I will continue my journey in Christ, excited for the meaningful content he will allow me to create; because for me, contentment comes from creating CONTENT-ME(A)NT to bring others to Christ! Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord. - Psalms 103:22 NLT
So stop looking at others and stop comparing what you have. God has generously provided you with all you need to create. Therefore, you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. (2Corinthians 9:8 NLT) Your content is not like anything anyone else has ever created and people are in need of what only YOU can provide.
CONTENT MEANT TO SHARPEN WOMEN IN CHRIST
PAGE 15
R
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
ecently, I celebrated my 54th birthday. I must say that since I entered into my fifties, I now take this time to reflect and one thing I have learned in this process is to take a step back and reflect on my life. Life has brought many changes, but the most constant thing that comes to mind is “Contentment”. As I approach my latter years I can see my growth. I have found the beauty of becoming content with what I have and who I am. I’ve always considered myself a goal-oriented person, whether I’m singing, writing articles for this ministry, or working on my future book. However, once I see myself getting closer to that goal, I begin looking for another. The question is: By doing this, isn’t that a contradiction? Does looking for more indicate that I am not content with my life? I would say, “Not At All.” It’s not necessarily the goal that matters to me; but it’s the journey of getting there that’s so fun. Contentment isn’t a matter of being content with your situation in life but never trying to improve it. That is complacency. Contentment involves taking every situation, including every new goal and old one, and finding gratitude in the lessons you learn along that journey. If I look back, I can admit I wasn’t always content. There have been times in my life when I wasn’t happy, when things seemed dismal, when I wished I had more. I wasn’t content with the way things were, and now I know that my outlook on life was a major contributor to my unhappiness. We have the ability to choose whether we are happy or unhappy. How is being content so great, and how do you get there? It’s not easy but here are some things that have worked for me: • Be Grateful - thank God for what you do have instead of focusing on what you don’t have. "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) • Count your blessings – take a moment to count all the good things in your life. It puts focus on what you do have rather than what you don’t.
IW MAGAZINE
THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT By: Joanne Christian
• Be Teachable - ask God what He wants you to learn in your present circumstance instead of telling Him what you want Him to change. • Appreciate your life – when reflecting on your life and all the good things in it you get a sense of gratitude (like watching a sunrise or sunset). To be content in any and every situation is to be at peace in every situation. Like Paul, when he matured in his faith he was able to understand that with God’s help he could be completely satisfied, “whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Paul knew that Jesus reigned in every circumstance. It took time and didn’t happen quickly, but the secret of this trust was knowing Jesus and having confidence in His grace. Circumstances change, but God doesn’t. Jesus will always take care of his people. Keep him at the center of your life whether living in plenty or in want. God promises to give us peace and contentment if we trust him. So trust and live according to Philippians 4:6–7:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. He really wants us to experience Him in increasing measures, especially in this troubled world.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33 So he has given us the simple, yet hard secret to contentment: Trusting in Him And trust me. It is the only way.
TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL
YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT
ON YOUR OWN
UNDERSTANDING; IN ALL
YOUR WAYS SUBMIT TO HIM,
AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR
PATHS STRAIGHT.
PROVERBS 3:5-6 NIV
PAGE 17
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
IW MAGAZINE
BEING CONTENT WITH LIFE AS IT IS
BY: ELSONIA SWARTS
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. -Philippians 4:12 NLT Are you content with your life as it is? If your answer is no, why not? The bible assures us in Psalm 23:1 that we have all we need, and we are even encouraged not to worry about what to eat or what to wear in Matthews 6:31! So many people in this day and age are discontent with their lives because they base their happiness and satisfaction on tangible worldly things. Instead of trusting and believing that God has us covered, we cling onto fear and doubt how to live our lives. We disregard God’s advice to seek his kingdom above all else (Matthews 6:33) so that all other things that we need can be added on to us. The root of discontentment is the inability to count our blessings. Psalm 66:12 says... We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance. Even through the floods and fires of life, we can be thankful and assured that our blessings lie in the fact that we will not only will we get through them, but we get through and move to a place of abundance. This doesn’t mean that we don’t have to strive for our dreams, but like the lyrics of the 1977 hit song ,"Three Little Birds", by Bob Marley & The Wailers says, “Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright!” We must replace our worry with trust in God and be thankful for the gift of life and all of its lessons. We must learn to appreciate all seasons of life and we must learn to be content with our life as it is.
SO IF WE HAVE ENOUGH FOOD
AND CLOTHING, LET US BE
CONTENT.
1 TIMOTHY 6:8 NLT
WWW.IRONWIFEY.COM