February 8, 2021

Weekly Reflection – Living With Contentment

Weekly Reflection – Living With Contentment

LIVING WITH CONTENTMENT
By Guest Author, Tom Nuckels, Lifeline Chaplaincy

Are you living with contentment? Recently, I was speaking with a group of spiritual care volunteers on Zoom. We meet each Wednesday morning for a “virtual coffee.”  One shared how she had decided to stop talking about how bad things are and to begin to look for the good. What blessings have been found throughout the past year? Maybe you have to look hard, but they are there, none the less.

• More walking for your health
• Taking more notice of the beauty of sunrises and sunsets
• The kindnesses of people
• More connection. We are not really “socially distanced,” but “physically distanced”

Her decision “to look for the good,” reminded me of Paul’s statement to the Philippian church, “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,” Philippians 4:12-13.

Trust God

When I shared this with the group, another person said, “That is great, but it can be frustrating to hear what we need to do without the how.”  In fact, Paul also tells us the “how” to be content and to trust God in all things for our needs.”

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you,” Philippians 4:4-9.

Be Prayerful

Don’t be anxious but be prayerful! Change what you think about—think on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, praiseworthy things. Practice that, and God’s peace will be with you! Now, that is a helpful message for the New Year!

So, remember, in these unprecedented times of our new normal, that we’re all in this together! Living with contentment can be achieved. After all, it is what it is and don’t forget to wash your hands!”

Source: Dr. Tom Nuckels is Director of Spiritual Care for Lifeline Chaplaincy’s Central Texas region.  The original article has been slightly edited by the Chaplain for the NationsUniversity audience.

Blessings,

 

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