Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

May 5th, 2008

 

"Contentment (Part 3)"

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians10-13 NIV).

Contentment is also surrender. Paul could be content, he could be patient, because he had given up any right or demand on the people and circumstances around him. For us, when life goes wrong, our impatience shouts, "It's not my way, not my timing, not my outcome!" Contentment, on the other hand, holds out open hands before a holy God and says, "God, Your way, Your timing, Your outcome."

Believe me when I tell you that I know that's not easy! Surrender cuts against our grain. We want control, choice, and to be treated fairly. The paradox is this: Contentment is gained only when we give up control and accept whatever comes. Viktor Frankl, a Jewish psychiatrist who survived the Nazi concentration camps of World War II, put it like this: "The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the sufferings it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity—even under the most difficult circumstances—to add a deeper meaning to life."

The notion of surrender first began its journey into my heart many years ago when I was confronted with the thought of breaking my relationship with my Dad over the decision to be a Baptist minister. I had put off telling my parents of my decision for a long time, hoping for “the right time.” Finally, with graduation from college on the horizon and beginning seminary imminent, I had no choice. It was then that God's truth whispered in my ear, "Give up trying to control the circumstances, Don. Let Me be the One in control. Surrender." I had no choice. I had to surrender the future into God's hands alone. At that moment I felt at peace. I had begun my journey of surrender.

I wish that I could tell you that everything went well when I told my parents of my decision, but they did not. In fact, the conflict was so deep, that my Dad refused to attend my graduation from college. The years following did mend the rift between us, but it was very difficult. Since that time, other difficult circumstances have come into my life, but the conversation has remained similar. Time and again I hear God's voice saying, "Don, let Me be in control. Surrender. Accept My way, My timing, My outcome. Trust Me alone." Continued surrender comes more easily when I sit silently before God and let Him do the talking. Contentment requires surrender.