Contentment is such an elusive concept sometimes. In Philippians 4, Paul challenges us to learn to be content in all circumstances. Easier said than done, right?
This week, as I was digging “Into the Word,” I discovered a verse that provides the secret to contentment:
The fear of the Lord
leads to life;
then one rests content,
untouched by trouble.
Proverbs 19:23, NIV
I love this promise! The “fear of the Lord” means to reverence Him, to honor Him in all that I do. As I cultivate a worshipful life, contentment fills my soul.
Q4U: Do you struggle with contentment? How does this promise impact your understanding?
Every Monday we will be working our way through Anne Graham Lotz’s 52-week study “Into the Word.” Hop on over to the 3dLessons4Life Blog Facebook Page to join us as we dig into God’s Word together.
Linking up with a like-minded sisters at Faith Filled Friday, Thought Provoking Thursdays, Good Morning Girls, God -Bumps and God-Incidences, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Soli Deo Gloria @ Finding Heaven, Playdates with God and “Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday!”
3-D Lessons for Life 
We are neighbors at PD….I also like to think about it as confidence…I read a quote…the way to peace, serenity and security even in difficult circumstances…it total confidence in God.
Thanks for stopping by. That quote definitely captures the spirit of this post.
I used to struggle with contentment but I’m finding as I get older (and He works on me more) it’s getting better. 🙂 Hopping from The Wellspring.
With age come wisdom! I agree.
I’ve been pondering the “fear of the Lord” lately and tried to reconcile that with wanting to feel closer and more deeply loved by God. It seemed to me that “fear,” or reverence as you’ve mentioned means, keeping a respectful distance–something opposite of drawing near to a loving God. But then I thought that perhaps “fear of God” is something I do in my actions, the living out of my faith through obedience and “loving God” is something I feel or am, as I draw near to my heavenly Father. I don’t know that I am understanding it correctly, but this post reminded me of those questions I had. I definitely want to “fear God” but just not sure how that is specifically or practicelly expressed. Thanks for your thoughts and questions!
I love your perspective. I think the way we live our lives in respect to who God is definitely displays the fear of God.
Such good insight from that verse in Proverbs. I realize, reading it, and comments here, that as I grow nearer to God, I also grow in “the fear of the Lord” — and in contentment. (It all grows in a beautiful cycle.) I guess that’s because the closer you get to Him, the more you really get to know Him, then the more your awe, your reverence, your “fear of the Lord,” mushrooms. Thank you for this! I’m so glad we’re getting acquainted a bit!
Yes, it is like a cycle — one we have to cultivate to keep going. Thanks for stopping by!
I like this.
🙂
As I cultivate a worshipful life, contentment fills my soul…isn’t that true! Beautiful encouragement!
Now to live it…. 🙂
I have had a rough couple weeks dealing with fear and discontent. Verses like this are all that get me through some days. Thank you.
Praying for you this afternoon, Laura.
I think contentment looks different with each passing day. The more I learn about what it really means in the context of being a Christ-follower, the more I embrace it. And the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom . . .
So true, Shelly. So true! With maturity comes greater wisdom and acceptance.
I don’t struggle with contentment in terms of my Father… but I DO struggle, day by day, with what I should be doing to serve Him more intensely and focus on Him ONLY!! So glad He’s kind to me, loving me anyhow. And bless you for bringing these issues to the surface.
He is so good to us — patient with our weaknesses!
You are all precious daughters of the King called by His grace. It’s true the older I get the easier contentment becomes a lot of the reason is I have more time to spend with the Lord and in His service . I will pray for you all as I do my daughter to grow in this area. women of the church need come along side encourage and pray together. When you have little ones it’s great to learn from each other and help out when someone is overwhelmed. god is so gracious and kind. Just when work was to much and I thought ther would be a total meltdown in me God sent help and reminded me tp pray and believe. We don’t have to do anything alone!!! Phil.4:13. Blessings Dianne
It is a blessing to have sisters to pray.