Contentment in Adversity

 

Adele M. Gill

[Please click on article title to read full article.]

“…For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Philippians 4:11-13  |  New International Version

As most of us do, I have a friend who endured quite a financial challenges during the height of the pandemic, as he was unable to perform at concert venues as he had done for many years. Traveling much of the time across the US and to other countries around the world performing at various concerts, this very talented musician became unable to carry on as he previously had. Though he is now happily back on the entertainment circuit, he found several creative ways (that he has continued) during that time to keep it all going by creating and selling one of a kind designer jewelry through an online store, accelerating his song writing, and launching more CDs of his music than ever before. Additionally, he provided two online concert series that proved to be huge blessings for his fans, and for him and his family. These concerts helped restore them financially, keeping them afloat. As a result, he was able to grow his audience for when he could eventually return to doing live shows ‘on the road’ again. His popular online concerts actually benefited him, his family, and also served as a wonderful diversion, great entertainment, for his many loyal fans around the world. This paved the way for when he could get back on the road, and return to doing in-person concerts. Clearly a silver lining.

 

Best of all, along the way, he also got to spend lots of quality time with his beautiful wife and 2 year old daughter, something he had never been able to do while on the road doing live concerts. This helped them all to grow in contentment even in adversity. Thus are the numerous silver linings, the blessed benefits, they experienced as a family during a most difficult time. People prayed for him and his family all throughout the challenging time, and those prayers certainly were answered in a big way!

 

My friend is living proof that contentment is possible in times of distress, and things always work out for the best when we step up and step out in faith. Something good always comes out of our struggles and times of weakness when we walk in faith. God really does hear our prayers and provide!

 

“All things work for good for those who are called according to God’s purpose.”

Romans 8:28

 

Is it truly possible to be content when we feel challenged from all sides, or are experiencing lean times? The answer is, of course, a resounding, “yes!” The fact is that living with hope and optimism is necessary for living a happy healthy life. That is important for one’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health, as well.  Giving up during difficult times may be tempting at times, but for most, it is not an option. Instead, tough times have the potential to make us stronger. For scripture tells us:

 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13  |  New American Bible

 

When we are struggling, and God’s blessings seem to allude us…when we pray and feel our prayers go unanswered…when we feel fearful/anxious, alone, isolated or even broken due to our circumstances, we simply need to humble ourselves, be patient, and pray. Pray, and ask others to pray with you and for you to enlist God’s help. Since ours is The Living God, helping us in the most practical ways imaginable when we invite Him in, we as Christians are blessed with an enduring hope that the world will never know, even and especially in times of adversity, turmoil, and want. It is during these times of weakness that God himself will bring healing, comfort, protection, and abundant supply to help us cope, and deal with whatever befalls us. And it doesn’t stop there. For our God is a generous, loving God, One who stands ready to step in and bless us at every turn when we pray to Him in humility and ask for His help. His help in times of weakness is always timely, and always enough. Understanding the following scripture can and will lead to tremendous contentment regardless of your circumstances:

 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9   |   New American Bible

© Copyright 2021   |   Adele M. Gill

______________________________________________

~ About the Author ~

Adele M. Gill is a certified Chaplain, and a graduate of the St. James College Seminary. She is a recipient of the 2021 Firebird Book Award for her life-changing book, ‘How to Go from Broken to Blest.’ Her other inspirational books include: ‘Classic Reflections,’ ‘Patient Persistence,’ ‘7 Pathways to Hope,’ and ‘From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You.’