Contentment

By Guest Blogger: Christina Bibb

I live in Detroit, Michigan, and on June 25, our city was affected by unusually, heavy rain combined with the city pump not working. As a result, our sewer backed up and caused our basement to flood. It took several days to restore our basement. The water was coming in so fast, that all I could think of was to grab the important papers I had in the house, put them in a backpack, and be ready to leave at any given moment. The problem was that when I looked outside, the entire street had flooded. You could not drive down my street or any other street. We were all stuck in the house and just had to wait and see what was going to happen. Thank God we were able to pump the water out. Even though I was praying that God would stop the water from coming in, he still allowed it. Now that was a challenging situation.

I had recently participated in this online book study about learning to be content in all situations. The whole time we were experiencing this inconvenience, I kept thinking about being content and giving thanks to the Lord even in bad situations. I must admit that it felt weird continuously giving thanks to the Lord after dealing with a flooded basement. A few days later, I was scrolling through YouTube, and I noticed that massive floods were happening in other parts of the world. China, Jamaica, Europe, Russia, and Africa were affected by flooding, too. Some people lost material things, their loved ones, or even their life to the massive floods. It was really
sad.

They were walking in contaminated water up to their waist. Sure, there were people here in Michigan that lost bedroom sets, washing machines, freezers, etc. But it was nothing in comparison to what others lost. I am by no means making light of what happened in Michigan. For some, the storm was devastating. While others are dealing with too much water, some are dealing with droughts. They have no crops, water, or plants. Which is worst, having too much water or none at all?

What does the Bible mean when it says in everything give thanks? This scripture is straight to the point on the surface. Anyone can read this and understand that it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. In everything, give thanks.

What have you recently experienced in your life that was devastating to you? Was the situation so bad that you could not see how to thank God amid your storm? First, understand that if it happened to you, God has allowed it. Notice I didn’t say he caused it. God does allow evil and suffering for his purpose. He can turn your situation around for his glory if you let him. What glory will you allow God to get out of our devastation? After God allows you to be hurt, talked about, misused, what glory did God get? Did you retaliate by giving the person a piece of your mind? Or did you handle it so God could get the glory? What honor did you allow him to receive?

In every situation, let us learn to be content, represent God well, and know that God knows what’s best for us. Whatever he allows, it is for his purpose, our good, and His glory.

Let us Pray:
Father, we come to you, thanking you for allowing us to have access to you. Your word reminds us in Jeremiah 18 that you are the Potter, and we are the clay. We ask that you continue to mold and shape us into the vessel you would have us to be. Help us to work with your plan and not against the plans you have for us. Let our hearts be pliable and always looking for ways to give you the glory. We will learn to be content in every situation that presents itself to us. Resting in your finished work is what we aim to do, Father. Without you, we can do nothing, but with you, all things are possible.
In Jesus Name, Amen.