philippians 4:12

2I 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. 

I was having a pity party this evening - well most of this week for that matter. For a number of reason - mostly hormonal - this has been the worst week for me yet. Well the worst since the first week after Pepper was delivered.

Anyway - I have been pouty and fussy and really quite discontent this week. People keep telling me I have the right to be emotional - and they do have a good point. I would definitely agree that it is ok to be sad, to cry, to have a bad day, to be a little angry at times. But my attitude this week has been one of discontent. It's been really bad. It's been wrong. I can absolutely grieve and have bad moments without sinning. But the pity party - the discontent - is way out of line here.

Anyway - in the midst of my pity party, I started thinking about the above verse..."I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances"....

"Well that's all well and good for him. He obviously had it together a lot more than I do. Wish God would tell me how to be content" blah blah blah. On and on went my negative, pouty, discontent self dialogue"

I decided to look up the verse - mostly b/c I was pouty and wanted to rant on my blog.

And then - God knocked me upside the head with the next verse. I have known these verses since I was a kid, but apparently they slipped my mind. Anyway...verse 13 says "I can do everything through him who gives me strength"

And the lightbulb goes off again - b/c I know this already, apparently I just forgot it in the midst of my temper tantrum....The secret to being content is to rely on God. I can do all things through Him, He can give me the strength to be content in my circumstances.

Wish I had remembered this on Monday. My week would have been a lot more pleasant!