It’s Black Friday. This infamous day of shopping follows closely on the heels of Thanksgiving. Isn’t it ironic that as a society we celebrate gratefulness one day then materialism the next? We are quick to thank God for what we have but then rush out to buy more. Clearly thankfulness doesn’t equate with contentment.
When blessings arrive, it’s easy to give thanks for them. However, if circumstances don’t go our way, a grateful attitude is difficult to grasp. Thankfulness like happiness often is situation dependent. Choosing to be thankful no matter what the circumstance is a quality of contentment. It’s a learned behavior built on the rocky terrain of a life full of both pitfalls and provision.
While awaiting execution, the Apostle Paul demonstrated this state of mind when he penned his letter to the Philippians. He wrote, “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. “1
Paul’s secret to contentment remains a mystery to our modern thinking. Acceptance in the face of adversity, doesn’t make sense to most of us. Like Job in the Bible, we rail against it. Why is this happening? What have I done to deserve this? Through Job’s suffering, God revealed himself. However, He never answered his question ‘why.’
In the same way, we journey through much of life blind to the ‘big picture’. God outlines His overarching plan in scripture and gives us small glimpses of our part in His story through our experiences. Blessings and suffering come wrapped together in the same package. We stuggle to understand it yet none of us are immune. This is the human condition.
During the recent holiday, I struggled to process an overwhelming barrage of emotions. The joyful anticipation of a new grandchild due this next month was overshadowed by the sad news of my sister’s unrelenting battle with cancer. It’s difficult to fully relish a blessing when the dark cloud of disappointment hangs over our heads. Accepting the whole of life is my challenge.
Even so, there’s much to be learned from a prisoner’s letter long ago. Paul’s secret to contentment was trust. He trusted in the Lord to give him strength in all circumstances whether good or bad. He relinquished the need to understand, thus opening his heart to joy. Thankfulness and contentment become one when we turn the outcome over to the Lord.
So, this Black Friday I find my contentment babysitting two of my grand-dogs. What a joy!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
1Philippians 4:11-13
