Contentment

   It has been quite a week so far, very busy and exciting with the end of the school year coming to an end and all the different activities that go along with that. I have started a couple new classes with four quarter starting, Biblical Worldview and Personal Responsibility, along with Principles of Biblical Interpretation. I already know that both classes are going to challenge me, but both are going to deepen my faith and understanding of God's word as well. I am excited for what God is going to reveal to me through the opportunity to take these classes.
   I have talked a lot lately about obstacles that we face in this life. I think this is because I have recently been feeling overwhelmed by my own challenges. God has been showing me what it means to be content right where I'm at, despite the circumstances. Today in chapel, the speaker talked about contentment. She talked about how challenging it is to be content and that it is a life-long learning process. We seem to always be able to think of something that we think we need and then our lives will be better. We think if we have that certain thing, relationship, opportunity, image, talent, lifestyle, or circumstance then we would be fully content. This is never the case. Once we get one thing, something else always catches our hearts and minds. We end up thinking we need that thing too. We keep on living this way, always wanting the next thing and never being fully content where we are.
   There is no way we will ever be fully content in this life, not until we meet our Father face to face. We will always be let down. That thing we so badly wanted and thought we needed will never satisfy us the way that being with our Father for eternity will. Our contentment is not based on our outward situations, but our hearts and our desires, the things we decide to put our time, energy, and heart into- these are the things that our hearts will be devoted to. When we spend time with the Lord and soak in His truths, our hearts will be there too. Only through spending time with our Savior will we come close to experiencing true contentment.

   I have definitely went through continuous cycles of thinking certain things will bring me joy or contentment and I am learning every day that this is not the truth. I have come to a point that being content is not about the fulfillment of what I want, but rather the realization of what I already have. God has blessed me abundantly. Instead of focusing on uncertain outcomes in my life or trying to use earthly things to fulfill the desires of my heart, I have learned that by focusing on the gifts that God has already blessed me with, I am content. 
   There will be many, many more times in my life that I am going to return to that cycle of thinking that something on this earth will make my life more complete or that I will be happier because of it- we all will. However, even when I do go through those times of doubt, I know that my God is faithful. He will pursue my heart. God is showing me each day that He has plans for my life and every day my excitement to get to know Him more grows. I am content because my God loves me for me. I am content because my God forgives my past mistakes and regrets. I am content through any circumstance because I know that my strength comes from the Lord. I am content because my God has given me a purpose on this earth that He is going to reveal to me in His perfect timing.