To be content.
Do you know what I think of as one of the biggest opposites of “content”?
Stressed.
Do you know anyone who could rewrite this scripture with the opposite?
“I am able to be stressed, in all circumstances!”
… Are you that person?
“Stress” has become quite the badge of honor.
Everyone has a lot of things going on.
All the time.
It’s pretty much how life goes.
But it’s often assumed that just because you have a lot going on, you must feel stressed about it.
BUSY does not have to equal STRESSED.
Paul teaches that he has learned that he can feel CONTENT in all states and circumstances.
And if anyone has the street cred to talk about a wide range in life circumstances, it’s Paul.
Seriously.
“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
What if we could truly feel CONTENT in all circumstances in our lives too?
No matter how many things we have going on, I have learned personally that “feeling stressed” is a choice.
And honestly… I feel like I’ve earned some street cred to be able to say that, too.
Being busy with good things can actually be so so so fulfilling.
I’ve tried to just stop saying “I’m stressed”.
My life is filled with so many things.
But I truly feel CONTENT in my life.
What a blessing it is that we don’t have to feel stressed or overwhelmed based off of our circumstances.
We can choose to build a life centered around the peace found in Christ.
So that we, like Paul, can feel content in every state.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
8 Responses
This is so true! It’s much better to send cares to Jesus.
<3
This is one the best “One Minute…” you’ve posted recently! Your thoughts and convictions here on stress & contentment warms my heart EVERY TIME I read it. It was sooo timely for me and I’m sure many of your followers❤️ I’m absolutely content❤️ but, I am very busy, most of the time. I don’t let negative into my life when I can do something abt it e.g. neg. talk among friends/co-workers, family, road rage-let them go around,wave &smile, discontent in the house-keep chill, practice a lot on this!! This one is the hardest for us!
Aww, thank you so much!
Yes, I am that person and I do try not to be. I have so much going on but you are absolutely correct. I choose to be stressed. I can live in content and be busy but I can’t do it without relying on the Lord to help me. Something I really need to practice more wholeheartedly. Thank you for this reminder. It’s a message I needed to hear.
Thank you for sharing! I think it’s something most of us can improve on! <3
Thank you for these thoughts. Going to make this a theme for this coming year which is very full of event!!
I love that! Thank you!