In the past I have read a book called Created to Be His Helpmeet, and while I was doing so I journaled about what was being revealed to me. In Chapter 4 Debi talks about how thanksgiving produces joy. She also talks about her husband being her "jolly playmate" and I remember feeling overwhelmed with the thought of my husband and I acting the way they do. I also felt jealousy because I don't have that right now. Even though I continued to read the chapter I continued to let it "go in one ear and out the other." My flesh thought it too hard a task. Yesterday as I was reading the chapter it was like I was reading it again for the first time. This time instead of dismissing what was written I felt that I wanted (and still want today) to be this person Debi is to her husband.
At the bottom of page 47 it says:
" The message to you is simple. From this day forth, starting right now--today--be the woman who honors, obeys, and loves Jesus, by honoring your husband. "
On page 39, at the bottom, it says:
" The book of Philippians is full of instruction to help us learn to become a woman of God."
This morning I read Philippians and got SO many things from it. I will share some of them with you from the NIV.
Phil 2: 1-4 " If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others."
Phil 1: 3-4 " I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."
Phil 4: 11-13 " ... 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 every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living through him who gives me strength."
Phil 4:6-7 " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Phil 1:29 " For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him."
Paul sounds like a very good man. He talks of praying with joy and thanksgiving. He also says that he knows what it is like to want. To be persecuted. Being a Christian is rarely easy. But I am learning what it means to be content. And I am trying to practice my contentedness as much as I can. I think the overwhelmed feelings I was talking about earlier was me being overwhelmed at the idea of humbling myself to my husband enough to be his "jolly playmate."
These verses from Philippians have been an encouragement to me today. It reminds me that my journey with Jesus has been and is going to be a rough one and that I need to learn to roll with the punches and be content. And the same goes for my marriage. It has been a very bumpy ride and it has been hard for me to be content. Because before I am content about something I must first let go of my bitterness. I really needed to read Phil 4: 11-13 because it helped me remember that I am not the only person who has needs or wants and I shouldn't feel bitter towards my husband when I don't get what I want.
Dear Lord,
Please help me and my fellow Help Meeters today to be content with whatever is happening. Help us to be content, if for nothing else, that we have You! I pray that we can remain content with our children and husbands and let them see how much we love them. And I pray Lord that you will see how much we love you by doing what you put us here for. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!
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