Dancing in the Rain

Storms- we all have them in our lives. Sometimes it seems they go on forever- thunder roaring, lightning flashing, torrential rains.... Questions swirling, uncertainty surfacing, fear prevalent.... Sound familiar? Yet, Psalm 56:3 says (in Douglas's translation), “In my moments of fear, I will be content with the security You provide.” 

Being content is so much easier said than done. Who wants to be happy with an $8 an hour job? But, I don’t miss church and I am able to spend time with my family. If I took the job offer for $15 an hour, I wouldn’t be able to spend time with my family. I would have to pay someone else to watch my children. So, I sigh and thank God for what He’s blessed me with already and plod on. In doing so, I might as well give a skip and hop, too. I can’t complain and be thankful at the same time. 

Ungratefulness stems from a lack of contentment in God’s provision. If God can’t give me what I need, then how in the world do I cope?? God doesn’t always give me what I think I need. He gives me what He knows I need. 

In Jeremiah 17:5, God curses the man who trusts in himself. Self made people do not depend on God. They become ungrateful for what God has blessed them with, because they think everything they’ve achieved in life and have acquired has been done by their own hand. And so they strive for bigger and better, trying to outdo the people around them; they are not content with the things they have and all they have done. 

Verse seven of Jeremiah 17 gives us hope. God blesses the man who places his trust in Him. Working that $8 an hour job puts stress in my life to pay the bills. (I am becoming much more thankful for junk mail!!!) With the economy spiraling downwards out of control, the pressure is on just to keep my head above water by paying the basics, forget all the things on my wish list. 

So, do I grumble and gripe about not having enough money? Yes, for a bit, I do (if I’m honest!). But I can’t stay there long- I must get out of the molly grubs and put a hop in my step, for I remember the promises of God. He’ll never leave nor forsake me. If I seek His kingdom first, all will be added to me. He is my provider. Don’t worry about my bills- I’ll make my requests known to God, and His peace will guard my heart. And the dance starts to move from my heart to my feet...

We’ve all heard the scripture many times in Phillipians 4: 11 where Paul says he has learned to be content in whatever situation he finds himself. And we’re all familiar with what comes two verses later- “I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.” But have you tied the two verses together? Being content in my situation gives me the ability to do all things thru Christ who is my strength. 

That came as a startling revelation! A vital key to being able to do what God has called me to do is to be content in my every situation. Sure it’s easy to be content when things are going my way and the sun is beaming on my face. But when the storm clouds start to gather.... Well, that’s a different story. It shouldn’t be- if I can learn to be content, I will be have learned to dance in the rain, and the storm will be over before I know it.

So, dear friends, be content. Be thankful for the many blessings of God and dance like only He’s watching. Your storm will pass and you will make it thru to the other side for He’s promised to take you there- that means no drowning!!

Salut!