The "Turtle" – letting go of discontentment

We call it the "Turtle" but it has been called many things: demolition car, junk yard car; to name a few. It's green, tiny, beat up, uncomfortably backbreaking, and not easy to drive – but it runs. It's not pretty and it's old – but it's paid off. I may not say it out loud but, in my thoughts, I gripe and complain that I have to sit in it let alone drive it sometimes. I really want to be thankful for what I have. Usually, I don't care what I drive but for the "Turtle"... well, I just have a hard time.

Have you ever felt that you struggle with being content? Is it hard for you to see that what you have is good?

Paul claims, in Philippians 4:12, "I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need (HCSB)." So what is his secret to be content? Read on to verse 13, "I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me."  God is good. He never leaves His children but when we are clouded with discontent it is harder to see His goodness. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you (HCSB)."

Look closely at these verses above. God gives us everything we need to be content:

♥ His confidence
♥ His help
♥ His strength
♥ His protection

Now, do you believe this to be true in your life? Because if you believe, than you can obtain the same attitude Paul had. No matter if you don't know how you are going to pay the hospital bills; the mortgage this month; the groceries, you have faith that God will take care of you. He never fails.

How about when things are just not satisfactory enough for you, like my "Turtle" is to me? God did provide a car for my family and it works. So, this is were it is up to me to be thankful and content with what I have. When I think of Paul and his secret to contentment (I can do all things with God's strength), I am encouraged that I can be satisfied. I can declare God is good and I can see his goodness, even in the "Turtle."

Does discontentment run your thought life? Do you really need more or better than what God has provide for you? These thoughts are the workings of the enemy. Don't let Satan twist your thoughts away from giving God glory. God is the one who has given you everything you need and the very breath in your lungs is from Him. Give Praise to God today and let go of your discontentment.

"God, thank you for your provisions in my life. You always supply everything I need. I let go of my discontentment to you and pray that I will be content with what I have."

© Carol Outhous Jones 2014