these precious four words
This evening, the phrase 'I have learned to be content in whatever state I am' floated in my mind.
I think it is partly inspired by a song I heard recently. It's titled 'thy will be done' by the Scott family (heard it
on K Love) - http://youtu.be/PAmh3yvmzXs
The part of the song that got me to sit up was the first stanza: 'I'm so confused // I thought I heard you loud and clear so I followed through // .. I may never understand that my broken heart is part of your plan // when I try to pray, all I got is hurt and these four words: thy will be done.'
Indeed it's true. We learn to abide by God's plan, not ours.
'Sometimes I gotta stop // remember you are God // and I am not, so: thy will be done'
Was just thinking of how there are hoardes of single ladies, a little past their youth, who still wonder if there's something they may have done differently. Or why is God witholding what is probably the heart's oldest desire, which probably began and was inspired since they were a young child.
But I realise, in the years these women spent building an independent identity and going about using their unique talents for God's work, they would have also been a great blessing to countless others.
This scenario may not be possible had they married and started a family. So.. it may very well be God's best afterall.
Of course, people who start families have different ministry areas and either way, there are trials in this life, single or married.
As God's children, our call is to be content with whichever lot the Lord has given in this life on earth to flourish and bless whoever comes by our way.
The freedom that comes with singleness is a gift.
Through conversation with a friend, she kindly pointed out that in a relationship, at some point in time, both parties will begin to make the other a priority and consider lifestyle changes to honour their partner's new status in their life.
As much as we enjoy our old habits and routines, it would be unkind to assume we could continue in the same way while enjoying the close and privileged companionship of another.
And so I realised with a pout that I am not ready to give up my freedom. I am so accustomed to feeding my own whims with no reproach, guilt or repercussion.
If anything, then this is one area I have not had direct opportunity to work on yet.
People with partners learn to accommodate and consider another's need above their own. This is the constant 'work-in-progress' behind each closer romantic relationship that most will get to enjoy in this lifetime.
My time has not come yet; maybe it never will. But whatever it is, I have gained new perspective and am more at peace to say:
'I am content. Thy will be done. It is well with my soul.' ❤️
'Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.'
Philippians 4:11-12
I think it is partly inspired by a song I heard recently. It's titled 'thy will be done' by the Scott family (heard it
on K Love) - http://youtu.be/PAmh3yvmzXs
The part of the song that got me to sit up was the first stanza: 'I'm so confused // I thought I heard you loud and clear so I followed through // .. I may never understand that my broken heart is part of your plan // when I try to pray, all I got is hurt and these four words: thy will be done.'
Indeed it's true. We learn to abide by God's plan, not ours.
'Sometimes I gotta stop // remember you are God // and I am not, so: thy will be done'
Was just thinking of how there are hoardes of single ladies, a little past their youth, who still wonder if there's something they may have done differently. Or why is God witholding what is probably the heart's oldest desire, which probably began and was inspired since they were a young child.
But I realise, in the years these women spent building an independent identity and going about using their unique talents for God's work, they would have also been a great blessing to countless others.
This scenario may not be possible had they married and started a family. So.. it may very well be God's best afterall.
Of course, people who start families have different ministry areas and either way, there are trials in this life, single or married.
As God's children, our call is to be content with whichever lot the Lord has given in this life on earth to flourish and bless whoever comes by our way.
The freedom that comes with singleness is a gift.
Through conversation with a friend, she kindly pointed out that in a relationship, at some point in time, both parties will begin to make the other a priority and consider lifestyle changes to honour their partner's new status in their life.
As much as we enjoy our old habits and routines, it would be unkind to assume we could continue in the same way while enjoying the close and privileged companionship of another.
And so I realised with a pout that I am not ready to give up my freedom. I am so accustomed to feeding my own whims with no reproach, guilt or repercussion.
If anything, then this is one area I have not had direct opportunity to work on yet.
People with partners learn to accommodate and consider another's need above their own. This is the constant 'work-in-progress' behind each closer romantic relationship that most will get to enjoy in this lifetime.
My time has not come yet; maybe it never will. But whatever it is, I have gained new perspective and am more at peace to say:
'I am content. Thy will be done. It is well with my soul.' ❤️
'Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.'
Philippians 4:11-12