Not that I speak
from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 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. Philippians
4:11-12
The dictionary defines contentment as being “easy of mind, to be free from worry, from guilt, to be satisfied.”
It is a beautiful place to be, but it seems so hard to find. How content are you? There are surely some
who seem to have all the pieces of contentment — career, health, family, wealth
— but are still profoundly discontent.
Historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., observes that our society is
marked by “inextinguishable discontent.”
Our quest is “what is better and what is
next.” We want a better job with better pay and a better boss. We want better relationships, a better car
and a better backhand in tennis or a longer drive in golf.
We have a propensity to live endlessly for the next thing — the next
weekend, the next vacation, the next purchase, and the next experience. We are
never satisfied, never content, and envious of those who have what we have not
attained or accumulated.
Here is an amazing truth. The Bible is saying that whether you have
enough money or not, whether you have abundance or are in very strained
circumstances, you can still have contentment because the secret of contentment
is not in what you have or don't have.
Contentment is a
Heart Matter
But godliness actually is a means of great gain
when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so
we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these
we shall be content. 1Timothy 6:6-8
Contentment is an INTERNAL
disposition.
Contentment
isn’t denying our feelings
about wanting and desiring what we can’t have, but instead it exhibits a
freedom from being controlled by those feelings. It is not just self-denial.
Contentment
isn’t pretending things are
right when they are not, but instead it displays the peace that comes from
knowing that God is bigger than any problems and that he works them all out for
our good.
Contentment
isn’t a feeling of well-being
contingent on keeping circumstances under control, but instead it promotes a
joy in spite of circumstances, looking to God who never varies.
Contentment
is not based on external circumstances, but rather on an internal source. Contentment is of the heart.
Contentment is a matter of accepting from God’s hand what He sends
because we know that He is a good God and wants to give good gifts to his
children. We WILLINGLY accept from God’s
hand that which he gives. All that is
needful He will supply. In other words,
contentment and joy must be sought within
us. No amount of money or possessions
will bring us the state of joy and peace that is contentment. No, true contentment comes from within. As a
matter of fact, too much of anything brings stress in our life. I think most of us believe that.
In the following days, we will take a look at the Secret of
Contentment. For today, observe your
spirit and the spirits of those around you.
Is anybody really content or are they still searching for that something
they think will bring them the peace of contentment?
Scripture to Claim
And my God will
supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
