5 Ways to Become Content with Your Current Season of Life 

Guest Writer: Callie Nelsen
 
Contentment does not simply equate to the acceptance of circumstances.
 
I think we sometimes fear the pursuit of contentment because we’re afraid it will de-value our desires and dreams.  For example, a couple trying to have a baby may not want to feel content with being child-less out of fear of never becoming parents. However, contentment is ‘the state of being satisfied; ease of mind.’ The infamous contentment verses, Phil. 4:11-13, says you can learn to be content whatever the circumstances!  Wow! Imagine having an ease of mind in the midst of a trial, to be satisfied even when life is just. plain. hard. This doesn’t mean we agree with what’s happening, but that we’re rooted in the unfailing love of the One who has gone before us, and therefore not easily shaken.
 
Here are five ways I’ve learned to be content. Single, dating or married, contentment isn’t something that just happens to us – it’s a choice!
 

• Let God define your identity. Memorize scripture. Re-read prophetic words. Ask God what He thinks of you. Recently, it felt like anyone I talked to asked why I was single. In the past this would have made me feel like a failure. But, I had taken time to hear what the Lord thought about this season of my life, and was so confident in His opinion that I felt unaffected by what people were saying – and remained content!

• Declare truths about yourself and your destiny, especially when you don’t believe it. God spoke, and the world came to be.  He called Abraham a father long before he was one.  That same God is living inside us! There is power in making declarations about what we want to see happen.

• Be thankful. During a time after a relationship ended, I didn’t allow myself to journal anything except what I was thankful for. After several months, I’d become content with being single (a miracle!) and my broken heart was mending.  Bill Johnson made the statement, “whatever you look at, will grow.”  If you focus on what you’re thankful for, your difficulties won’t seem so big.  Likewise, focusing on difficulties will often cause them to become overwhelming.

• Worship. Expect to see blessing and freedom when you worship during your hard times! Worship changes the atmosphere and your heart, which ultimately changes how you feel about your circumstances. Check out The Message’s version of Romans 5:3-5.

• Be transparent about what you want, and ask questions. God doesn’t want us to be confused! If you’re not getting an answer, maybe you’re not asking the right question (Ie: what do you want to do during this time? Instead of why am I single?) Perhaps you’re listening for an answer He’s not willing to give you because He has something better for you.  God is never wrong, and He’s always good.  Once you start filtering your thoughts through those truths, you’ll find it easier to hear answers you may not be looking for.

 
 
 
Biography:
Callie Nelsen is a 4^th grade teacher, softball and volleyball coach, IEC (international exchange) coordinator, traveler, singer/songwriter, from Lake Crystal – a small town in Southern Minnesota. She has been the worship leader at Abundant Life Church for the past two years and has done some public speaking as well.  She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2010 with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Spanish and Math.  She also graduated from Bethel School of Worship in 2013.  She released her first CD, ‘In the Sight of You’ in 2013 and is currently working on her second album.