Being a Woman - Who Has Enough

My Facebook status recently: 

"I am so happy :) Even when I am not happy I am still happy - how does that work lol x"

I think the apostle Paul had a similar Facebook status back in his day:

Philippians 4:11-12

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

I realised recently that I am truly content - I have enough! It came to my attention when I was going on an hour long journey to see a friend.  The journey was mostly on a long straight motorway, so my mind was free to think and pray.  As I drove I thought about what I felt like chatting to God about.  I scanned my mind for any area of need in my life as I hadn't had much time recently to pray for myself.  Item after item went through my mind until I declared,

"God, I have no need, you truly have supplied all my needs!"

It was such a beautiful moment when I realised how truly content I am and I thanked God profusely for all the beautiful things He had given me.  My smile slowly turned to a frown, not because I became unhappy but because I began to pray for others.  All the contentment that I had quickly highlighted all the lack in other people's lives.  The world is broken, people are hurting and my heart was grieved with the sad state of many women that I have grown to love.  Yes I have enough, but to live in this contentment for the sake of my own personal gratification would destroy the very contentment that I have gained.  

Paul goes on to say what he does with his contentment:

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

If Paul was content then why does he even need to be able to do all things through Christ who strengthens him? He needs Christ to strengthen him because he isn't living a life of self satisfaction but a life of serving others. Like Paul, I too have enough, but I only found this contentment in my life when I stopped trying to get satisfaction and started living my life to serve others.

Do you feel like you are content and have enough at this point in your life?

The Being a Woman book and worksheets are available here.