Rev. Dr. Mike Wooton

“We can find contentment even in the most difficult seasons.”

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Being content is never easy, but it is especially difficult when we are walking through the valley. Yet, finding contentment is crucial for us to make it through difficult times. The bible tells us we can find contentment in any circumstance through Christ. Philippians 4 says it like this, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” We can find contentment even in the most difficult of seasons. Here are a few tips on finding contentment in the valley.

1. Find the Green Spots

It’s said “The grass is always greener on the other side.” In the valley every other place seems greener than what we are going through. But I guarantee there are some “green spots” around you. Once you find the green spots it makes the season more bearable. Find the green spots! Maybe at your job there are opportunities for you. Some jobs will pay you to go to a conference. You may say to yourself, “I don’t want to go to a boring conference.” My question would be, “Would you like to get away from your job for a couple days and get paid?” Another green spot may be special relationships that you can enjoy. Do you have children still living at home? Maybe this is an opportunity to spend time with them before the move on. Nurture and enjoy the relationships in the valley. Take time to find the green spots in this season.

2. God wants you to be content with Him, not the valley.

We are not supposed to be content with the bad or evil that affecting our lives. God isn’t happy that something bad is happening to us. In the valley God desires us to find contentment in his love and power despite what we are going through. We must focus on how much God loves us during the difficult times, not on the trouble we are walking through. God wants us to be content with him, not with the valley.

3. Lean on others.

One reason we become discontent is we try to do everything on our own. Many of us struggle with the idea of getting help because we feel like we are supposed to be totally self-sufficient. There is only one being that is totally self-sufficient, God. Me and you, we need God’s help and an assist from a friend from time to time. Here are two simple ways we can lean on people. First, if you are going through something difficult ask someone to pray for you. Is there something really troubling you? You were not meant to bare that on your own! Ask for prayer and watch God change your situation!

Second, if people want to give you help, accept it. Nine out of ten times when we ask God for help, he sends people to help us. If someone wants to help you, they are your answered prayer! Accept their help, thank them and thank God for sending them. If we are going to be content we have to lean on others. 

Being in the valley is not good, but we serve a good God even when we are in the valley. You are going to get through this; you just have to find contentment. When you find it, you will say with confidence, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Being in the valley is not good, but we serve a good God; even in the valley.

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