I was so happy when the book You Can Learn to Be Content by Sarah O. Maddox arrived on my doorstep, just in time for me to read on our summer vacation.

I’ve come to know and love Sarah’s daughter, Melanie Redd. As we’ve journeyed through blogging together, I soon discovered what an encourager she is. She loves the Lord and always seems to have a  positive outlook on life.

It didn’t surprise me to learn her mom wrote a book about contentment. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

It was easy to feel content as I read this book on the sandy shores of a beautiful beach in Lake Tahoe!

But as we packed up all our gear, like the humorous family in the old sit-com Yes Dear, trekking across the flaming hot sand with sun-burnt skin, complaints were at the tip of our tongues.

And I was brought right into the meat of her book about learning to be content.

So often the burdens of life feel like a heavy weight upon our shoulders. Just like carrying all of those sand toys, umbrellas, beach chairs and coolers!

But Jesus says,

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30)

Farmers used to bring their oxen to a carpenter to measure a wooden yoke for the oxen to carry.

“When Jesus tells us to “take My yoke upon you” He is assuring us that the life He gives us will not be a burden to irritate us—the tasks he has for us are tailor made to fit us.”

Accepting the yoke Jesus has designed for us, shows that we trust him to know what’s best for our lives.

Sarah writes about what she learned through the hectic process of moving numerous times and seeking contentment wherever she lived.

“It is only as I depend on the Lord in every situation that I can learn to be content.” 

Every time Sarah moved she would put a wreath on her front door as an expression of acceptance of what God had provided for her.

Each chapter highlights key ingredients necessary in developing a satisfied heart.

Acceptance

Joy

Faith

Forgiveness

Belief

Love

Patience

Trust

Prayer

Praise

Rest

Surrender

Obedience

Contentment

“Contentment comes when we have a right relationship with the Lord- that relationship is developed through prayer. I believe you and I will be content only when the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives.”

I enjoyed this book because it reaffirmed in my heart the importance of choosing to be content with where I’m at in life. When I surrender to God’s will, I see just how beautiful it is, because it was tailor made just for me.

This post is linked up at Quick Lit: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/reading-lately/ and Book Nook.

You can purchase You Can Learn to Be Content, here.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what is 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. Philippians 4:11-12

You can visit her website at https://www.sarahomaddox.com