Friday, October 29, 2021
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 One Thing You Are Searching For
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?
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
