I Hate It Here...

According to the Life Application Bible’s dictionary, hate means “dislike or detest; strong emotional aversion; detestable.”  That is how I feel about where I live.  I hate it here because it is cold, rainy (that is an understatement) and for much of the year it is either dark and/or gloomy (an average of 226 cloudy days per year).  When there has been five minutes of sun, people run outside or to the window just for the simple pleasure of feeling the sun on their face.  I was born and raised in sunnier states.  I never thought I would say it, but there are times I even miss living in southern Florida. 

I have learned though, through the twenty-one years that I have lived here to look for way to be content and at times happy.  Philippians 4:13 had become one of my favorite Bible verses but I believe you need to back it up a little and include Philippians 4:11-13.  Paul said in these verses

I am not saying this because I am in need, 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 any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I have found contentment in where God has placed me.  I have found that through Christ I have the strength to get out of bed.  I have the strength to make it through the day when I go to work and come home from work in the dark.  I have the strength to make it through over 100 days of rain.  I have also learned that when I feel that strength dwindling God will send someone or something along to encourage me and to renew my strength.  Psalm 40:31 says

but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary,
They will walk and not be faint.

Today was one of those days.  God gave us a day of sun, beautiful fluffy white clouds, and beautiful clear blue sky.  It was a day that I truly appreciated because of those days of rain.  I try to take advantage of those days; to be refreshed and renewed.  To take the time to observe God’s wonderful creation and to spend time just thanking Him for all He gives and all He does for me.  For giving me strength to make it through the rain and the renewal of that strength through the sun and better yet through His Son. 

And this allows me to say as David did in Psalm 9:1

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonders;
I will be glad and rejoice in you,
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

So if you are in a situation you dislike, detest or simply just hate, you need to look for ways to find happiness, joy or at the very least contentment.  Also remember that Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…”  Therefore the situation you find yourself in will only last for a period or God will change your outlook toward that situation.