The Practice of Contentment, Part 2

Pastor Scott L. Harris

Grace Bible Church, NY

December 12, 2004

The Practice of Contentment, Part 2

Selected Scriptures

Over the last month we have been dealing with the issues of contentment and have found that the common understanding of contentment, defined by Webster as the state or quality of "being satisfied, not displeased," is not adequate to describe the contentment Paul describes in Philippians 4:11. Webster's definition can also be used of both complacency or something temporary, which is the kind of contentment many people find in the various philosophies that man has developed for himself in trying to find meaning to life. They may develop a sense of peace or calm, but complacency or something temporary is a sad substitute for the internal peace and confidence that God wants us to learn.

All of us are keenly aware that the circumstances of our lives are ever changing and with those changes our sense of being pleased by those circumstances also changes. We like some situations, but not others. We are all also aware that even the sense of pleasure that comes when we do achieve some goal will always diminish with time after achieving the goal. The contentment that Paul learned is not based in circumstances nor does it diminish with time, in fact, I dare say that in increases. Turn again to Philippians 4:10-13.

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

The contentment Paul learned is active. He was able to experience the full range of human emotion, and yet remain in control, self-satisfied, and still pursuing a sense of purpose. Paul was content while still living life to its fullest. This kind of contentment can only come to those who have and hold to a Biblical world view. You must believe that there is a real, true, infinite, personal, creator God who has revealed Himself in both what He has made and in the Bible. You must believe that He loved you while yet a sinner and that Jesus Christ paid the price for your sin by which He offers you forgiveness and a relationship with God through faith in Him. You must understand that you belong to God, and that your life only makes sense in living for His purposes in everything.

Only Biblical Christianity provides the foundation in something eternal, strong and unchanging, which can be trusted even when life turns tragic or bitter, and that foundation is needed in order to have the contentment Paul speaks of in Phil. 4:11. Biblical contentment is the ability to be "self-sufficient," and "not needing assistance from outside." This does not refer to you being autonomous, but rather to the fact stated in verse 13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." You can live in such a way that regardless of circumstances you can fulfill the purpose of your existence in bringing glory to God. He has made His power available to you to do what honors Him in any situation. Your life is no longer to be controlled by your situation, but by the Holy Spirit within you. You may not like what is happening. You might prefer something else. Your emotions might even be extremely strong, but you are to no longer be someone that reacts to changing circumstances like a thermometer. Instead, you are to affect your environment like a thermostat by your demonstration of a Christ like character in all situations.

Do not be like so many Christians that claim a faith they do not live because their trust in God is so small. You can learn to be content in all circumstances because you can do all things through Him who strengthens you. Walking by faith with God is the key, but to do that you there are some general beliefs that must be understood, held and then followed. You must know God personally - be a true Christian. You must remember who He is and what He has done for you. You must obediently follow Him. You must humbly yield to God's sovereign plans in all circumstances.

As we did last week, we will apply these truths to life situations by using four questions, which I will answer generally first, then I will apply them to specific situations.

General Principles

Who is God? What is His nature and character? God is the eternal creator who is holy, just, pure, righteous, good, gracious, merciful, lovingkind, sovereign, all wise, all knowing, omnipotent, omnipresent, unchanging, true, the giver and sustainer of life.

What has God done? What actions has God taken toward His creation and you? He is the source of physical life, salvation, of love to sinners, hope, and the giver of every good and perfect gift.

What Biblical Principles apply: I need to consider God's perspective of my circumstances. Some general principles are: 1) There is always hope because the love of God has been proved in Jesus Christ - Romans 5:8. 2) The purpose of your life is to be transformed by the renewing of your mind into the image of Christ and not be conformed to this world - Rom 8:29; 12:2. 3) God uses the trials of life to test our faith and mature us making us more like Jesus - James 1:2-4. 4) God is sovereign and works in all situations for the good of all that love Him and are called according to His purpose - Romans 8:28. 5) God always provides a way to endure through or escape all temptations, so I can never blame Him for my sin or that of someone else - 1 Cor. 10:13.

How can you obey Him? What specific actions will I now take in obedience to God and His word. If you love Jesus, you will obey Him. - John 14:21. If you believe God to be like what He claims to be, you will submit to the commands, principles and precepts of His word regardless of emotions involved you will follow Him

For the rest of the morning I will apply these questions to specific life situations in order to show you how you can put these truths into practice. You can learn to be content in all circumstances because you can do all things through Him who strengthens you. Last week we looked at circumstances concerning relationships, material loss, financial stress, and personal situations. This week we will examine circumstances concerning physical hindrances, personal tragedy and some various situations some of you have asked about.

PHYSICAL HINDRANCES

1) Your body is not they way you like it. It is too fat, thin, tall, short, hairy, not enough hair, etc.

Who is God? The all wise creator (Romans 16:27 "the only wise God" & John 1:3 - "All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being." )

What has He done for you? He made you for His glory (Genesis 1:26; 1 Cor. 11:17 - since he [man] is the image and glory of God.).

What Biblical principles apply here? 1 Sam. 16:7 - "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God [sees] not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Prov. 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, [But] a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

How can you obey Him? Be more concerned about what you are inwardly than how you look outwardly. It is God's grace and mercy upon your life that allows you to become wrinkled and gray. The alternative is a short life.

2) Your body is getting old and not functioning as well.

Who is God? The eternal one that sustains all life - Deut. 33:27; Psalm 104:14,15.

What has He done for you? He allowed you to get old - Heb.10:27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this [comes] judgment,

What Biblical principles apply here? Psalm 90:10 as for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is [but] labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. Prov. 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair. Prov. 16:31 - A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.

How can you obey Him? Reflect the godliness that should have been learned in your many years. Serve the Lord in the days that remain to the best of your ability. Look longingly to being in the presence of the Lord, but the timing is in His hands.

3) You or a loved one develops a severe physical disability.

Who is God? The all wise creator (Romans 16:27 & John 1:3)

What has He done for you? He made you for His glory (Genesis 1:26; 1 Cor. 11:17). He sustains us with His grace and perfects His power in our weakness - 2 Cor. 9:9.

What Biblical principles apply here? Exod. 4:11 And the Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes [him] dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? John 9:2,3 - 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind ?" 3 Jesus answered, "[It was] neither [that] this man sinned, nor his parents; but [it was] in order that the works of God might be displayed in him. Romans 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4 - God enables each Christian to serve Him as He desires.

How can you obey Him? Glorify Him with whatever abilities you do have. Don't be jealous of others who can do what you cannot (or no longer) do. Remember that we also glorify God when we are the ones being served if we receive it with thanksgiving. Learn that His grace is sufficient.

F. PERSONAL TRAGEDY

1) You are arrested for something you did.

Who is God? Holy and Just (Isa. 6; Ps. 111:7)

What has He done for you? Allowed you to get caught before you got into something even worse. Proverbs 15:10 Stern discipline is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. Proverbs 3:11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father, the son in whom he delights

What Biblical principles apply here? Proverbs 28:13 - He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes [them] will find compassion. Numbers 5:7 then he shall confess his sins which he has committed, and he shall make restitution in full for his wrong, and add to it one-fifth of it, and give [it] to him whom he has wronged. Romans 6:13 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

How can you obey Him? Repent from the sins. Submit willingly to the consequences of the law. Demonstrate by your changed life the reality of a new life in Christ.

2) You are arrested for something you did not do?

Who is God? Holy, just, pure and righteous. He is still sovereign. An injustice happening to you does not change who God is or His character. Deut. 32:4 - "The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

What has He done for you? He suffered the greatest injustice by man of all time when Jesus was crucified - 1 Peter 2:21. He is with us no matter what we go through - Matthew 28:20.

What Biblical principles apply here? Paul appealed to judicial system of the time (Acts 25:11). We are to follow Jesus' example - 1 Peter 2:20-23 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer [for it] you patiently endure it, this [finds] favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously;

How can you obey Him? Pursue what legal recourse is available to you. Follow Christ's example in the midst of your suffering. Pray for those who are causing you the injustice (Matt. 5:44 - But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you).

3) You are mugged?

Who is God? He is still holy, just, pure and righteous, merciful, gracious and loving (Psalm 145:8).

What has He done for you? He has preserved your life and met your needs (Rom. 8:32; 1 Tim. 6:13). He has provided you salvation from Hell and proved His love for you on Calvary (Rom. 5:8). He offers salvation to the wicked - 1 Peter 3:18 - For Christ also died for sins once for all, [the] just for [the] unjust, in order that He might bring us to God and 2 Peter 3:9 - the Lord is not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance

What Biblical principles apply here? Romans 13:3,4 - For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Romans 12:19-21 - Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath [of God,] for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 1 Peter 4:1 -Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.

How can you obey Him? Seek justice, but leave revenge in God's hands. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Offer forgiveness to the offender just as Christ forgave you. Rejoice you suffered in like manner as Him.

3b) Someone asked about an abusive relationship. These same principles would apply. The first step would be for both parties involved should get godly counseling to seek to correct the abuse. The specific godly response will vary depending on many factors, but in brief, if they refuse counsel or continue the abuse, then if they are physically abusive, seek justice. They are violating the law and they should be arrested. You may also need an order of protection issued. If it is emotional abuse, then the relationship needs to end or change. What if it is a marriage? Then 1 Corinthians 7:11 indicates that separation may be appropriate - but if she does leave, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband. Please note that this separation is not for the purpose of divorce, but for protection and making the issues serious enough to cause both parties to work toward reconciliation.

4) You are persecuted for trying to live for Christ.

Who is God? The holy One Whom Satan seeks to usurp (Isa. 14).

What has He done for you? Suffered in our place, setting the example for us (1 Peter 2:21-23). He has promised " I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," 6 so that we confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?" - Hebrews 13:5,6.

What Biblical principles apply here? We can expect unjust persecution from the world as we live for Christ - Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when [men] cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. 12 "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." / 2 Tim. 3:12 - And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. The examples of the apostles. Acts 5:41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for [His] name. Rom. 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us

How can you obey Him? Make sure your suffering is for the sake of righteousness. Follow the examples of the prophets. Rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer for His name. Rest in His presence.

 

5) You find out that you can not have children of your own?

Who is God? The giver of life - Genesis 20:18; 25:21; 30:22

What has He done for you? With held children from you for His own purposes (Gen. 30:2 - Jacob says, "Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?")

What Biblical principles apply here? The example of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 - pray. Your hope is in the Lord, Psalm 113:9 - He makes the barren woman abide in the house [As] a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord! Galatians 4:5 - we were adopted into God's family.

How can you obey Him? Pray, serve. Consider physical adoption or foster care. Have spiritual children by ministering to children

6) Your child dies?

Who is God? The one who appoints the length of time any individual will live on this earth - Hebrews 9:27.

What has He done for you? Given you a precious child for a time - Psalm 127:3.

What Biblical principles apply here? Children do not "belong" to us. They are only entrusted to our care for a short time. All souls belong to God - Ezekiel 18. 2 Sam. 12 - David and child of Bathsheba died, but life goes on beyond the grave.

How can you obey Him? Keep the eternal perspective in view. Do not get lost in grief of the moment. Praise God for however long your child was with you.

7) You are diagnosed with an incurable, terminal disease?

Who is God? He is the giver and taker of life - Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away . Blessed be the name of the Lord."

What has He done for you? Granted to you the years of life you have already experienced. At best life is short - Psalm 102:11,12 My days are like a lengthened shadow; And I wither away like grass . But Thou, O Lord, dost abide forever; And Thy name to all generations.

What Biblical principles apply here? Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His godly ones. Our comfort and hope is to be with the Lord forever - 1 Thess. 4:17. 2 Cor. 5:8 - to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord. We should number our days whether they be many or few that we might present to the Lord a heart of wisdom - Psalm 90:12

How can you obey Him? Die well with your hope fixed in Him. Use what time remains to tell others of your wonderful destination on the other side of death.

I received several questions last week. Here are some thoughts about them.

A child (or a husband that has not yet grown up) says, "I don't like what I am given to eat. I don't like vegetables. Do I have to eat them?"

Who is God? Gen 1 - the creator of all things. James 1:17 - the Father of lights from whom every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift comes from.

What has He done for you? God has provided your food for you. Isa. 55:10 - He has furnished seed to the sower, watered the earth causing it to spout and bear and provide bread to the eater.

What Biblical principles apply here? 1 Thess 5:18 - "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. 4:4,5 - "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." Consider as well Eph. 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

How can you obey Him? If you are a child, then you need to obey your parents without complaining or grumbling. They not only are trying to feed you what is healthy for you, but they also must develop your character that you might be thankful for whatever you have. That second principle applies to you adults that might complain or grumble if you don't get what you want. The mark of a Christian is thankfulness because we see God's gracious hand in everything he supplies us - yes, even broccoli, lima beans, green peas and Brussel Sprouts. We know that we deserve nothing, yet God has supplied us with abundant blessings which include not only the food, but the eyes to see it, the nose to smell it, and the taste buds to enjoy it the variety available to us. Can you be content when you are given foods you do not really care for? Yes, if you keep the eternal perspective in mind, so eat your vegetables.

"Can you on be content with being married when you made a mistake on that decision?"

Who is God? He gave you life (Job 33:4). He is not a man that He should lie nor the son of man that He should change His mind (Numb. 23:19). He is the sovereign one who chooses people in Christ before the foundation of the world that they should be holy and blameless before Him (Eph. 1:4). He is the self-sufficient one in need of nothing outside Himself. (Exod. 3:14).

What has He done for you? He saved you and has offered salvation to all (John 3:15; 1 Jn 2:1, etc.). Jesus has forgiven you your sins (Col. 1:14,15) by humbling Himself to become a man and die on the cross in your place. He joined you and your spouse together - Mt. 19:6 even if you know believe it was a bad decision on your part.

What Biblical principles apply here? Phil. 2:5f - Have the humble attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus, and then fulfill the role given to you by God in marriage. Husbands love your wives, and wives, submit to and respect husbands (Eph.5:21-33). Win him with your chaste and respectful behavior (1 Pet. 3). Husbands, live with her in an understanding way (1 Peter 3:7). Wives, win him without a word by your chaste and respectful behavior (1 Peter 3:1-6). God hates divorce - (Malachi 2:15,16).

How can you obey Him? Since you acknowledge that you made a mistake in marrying your spouse, work through to see the sin involved. Were you a Christian and married a non-Christian? You married someone who tries to pull you away from the Lord? Repent of any sin involved, thank the Lord for His forgiveness and go on from there. It may have been a bad decision on your part to have married the person, but once you did marry them, then you must understand that Matthew 19:6 is clear that you were joined by God. Fulfill the role God has given you. Be more concerned about your pleasing God and your spouse than they pleasing yourself. Find your contentment in seeing God at work in you as He changes your character into that of Christ, and then be God's instrument of grace and goodness to your spouse. Be a blessing to Him or her even if he or she is not to you. Additionally, Do not compare your marriage to other folks who married with godly wisdom. Envy and jealousy are sins.

How do you deal with unrighteous thoughts?

Who is God? The thrice holy God - Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8

What has God done for you? He chose you in Him before the foundation of the world that you might be holy and blameless before Him - Eph. 1:4, and He is conforming you into the image of His Son - Romans 8:29.

What Biblical Principles apply? Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind - Romans 12:2. Think on whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous and praiseworthy - Phil. 4:8.

How can you obey Him? While you cannot keep a thought from entering your mind, you can set an environment where it is less likely to enter, and you can kick it out and replace it with something godly once it does enter. Do not set what is unholy or worthless before your eyes or ears (Psalm 101:3). Hide God's word in your heart - Psalm 119:9-11 so that you can quickly think about it instead. Play Christian music, Scripture tapes, sermon tapes, etc. to fill and train your mind to what is godly.

How do you deal with those unwilling to forgive you?

Who is God? He is merciful and gracious - Psalm 86:15

What has God done for you? He forgave your sins in Christ Jesus on the basis of your faith in Him - Acts 10:43.

What Biblical principles apply? Col. 1:14 - In Jesus we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col. 2:14 - all our sins were nailed to the cross. 1 John 1:9 - as we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. James 5:16 - we are to confess our sins to one another. We are to be reconciled with those we sin against and those who sin against us - Matt. 5:24; 18:15-18. Psalm 51 describes the humble heart of those that seek forgiveness.

How can you obey Him? Rejoice that you have received forgiveness from God. Humbly seek forgiveness and reconciliation with the one you have sinned against. This cannot be done in a matter-of-fact manner. Find out specifically what is keeping them from forgiving you. Do they believe you? Not trust you? Need some sort of restitution? Pray the Lord will make their heart tender - Matt. 18:21f.

What do you do with someone that claims to be a Christian, but the evidence is lacking.

Who is God? He is merciful and gracious - Psalm 86:15.

What has God done for you? He saved you by His grace and mercy and not on the basis of any deeds you have done - Titus 3:5.

What Biblical principles apply? Do not pass judgement on them - 1 Cor. 4:3-5 - For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, [but wait] until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of [men's] hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.. Do not accept their profession as true without some fruit as evidence - Matthew 3:8 - (Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance), Matthew 7:12-23 - "You will know them by their fruits. Do challenge them to examine themselves - 2 Corinthians 13:5 Test yourselves [to see] if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-- unless indeed you fail the test?

How can you obey Him? First, clarify with them what they mean by saying they are Christians. They may not mean the same thing you think them mean. Second, treat them according to their profession by holding them accountable to live according to what they say they believe. However, do not be condemning when they fail. Treat them like you would want to be treated when you fail (Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6). Third, if there really is no fruit, gently and humbly challenge them to examine their heart for what they really believe. The destiny of their soul is worth the effort.

Contentment comes from living and walking in trust of God. Who is He? What is He like? What has He done? What Biblical principles apply to my situation? How can I live in obedience to them? Those are the questions you must ask, answer and live by if you are to learn this important lesson that Paul learned. Contentment in all circumstances is not based in how you feel about the changing situations of life, but in fulfilling your eternal purpose of existence of bringing glory to God through your godly response to those same situations. We can be content because Christ will strengthen us to do all things in a manner honoring God.

Sermon Study Sheets

KIDS CORNER

Parents, you are responsible to apply God's Word to your children's lives. Here is some help.

Young Children - draw a picture about something you hear during the sermon. Explain your picture(s) to your parents at lunch. Older Children - Do one or more of the following: 1) Write down all the verses mentioned in the sermon and look them up later. 2) Count how many times "God"is mentioned in the sermon. Talk with your parents about who God is and what He has done. What difference does that make in your own life.

THINK ABOUT IT!

Questions to consider in discussing the sermon with others.

Define "contentment" according to Phillippians 4:11-13. How could you be content in each of the specific circumstances listed above. Use the four general questions to find solutions that will enable you to be content in your own circumstances

Sermon Notes - December 12, 2004

The Practice of Contentment, Part 2 : Philippians 4:10-19, Selected Scriptures

Introduction

 

The Key to Contentment: Walk by faith with God

1) You must know God personally. You must be a Christian. 2) You must remember who God is and what He has done. 3) You must obediently follow Him. 4) You must humbly yield to God's sovereign plans in all circumstances.

General Principles

Who is God?

What has God done?

What Biblical Principles apply? Romans 5:8; Romans 8:29; 12:2; James 1:2-4; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13

How can you obey Him?

Your body is not the way you would like. It is too fat, thin, tall, short, hairy, lacking hair, etc.

Your body is getting old and not functioning as it once did.

You or a loved one develops a severe physical handicap

You are arrested for something you did.

You are arrested for something you did not do.

You are mugged / abused.

You are persecuted for living for Jesus Christ.

You find out that you cannot have children of your own.

Your child dies.

You are diagnosed with an incurable, terminal disease.

Your child (husband?) Will not eat what you prepare for them.

You made a bad decision when you got married.

You have unrighteous thoughts

You wronged someone and they will not forgive you.

Someone claims to be a Christian, but their life does not show the fruit of the claim being true