God Promises to Help you Accept Your Life and Experience Contentment

Suggested Reading: Philippians 4:10-20

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.—I Timothy 6:6-8

Jesus promises us the sweet, restful, spirit of contentment which is not an easy attitude or attribute to have and hold onto in the world we live in. And if it were not hard enough to be content and satisfied, the devil knows exactly what to do, what to bring before us, who to cross our path, what to whisper to plant the seed of discontent within us and once the seed has been planted nothing about our life seems right: our car isn’t good enough. In comparison with the new makes and models coming out, ours is  relic. Our house isn’t good enough; compared with the new builds going up ours is inadequate. Our appliances are not good enough; compared to the new ones with all the bells and whistles on the market, ours don’t measure up or do the job. Our clothes aren’t stylish enough; compared to the new styles, colors and designs everyone else is wearing ours look outdated, old-fashioned. Our stay-cation isn’t good enough; compared to the places so many are visiting, exploring and all we have to look at is our backyard. Our finances aren’t good enough; compared with the salaries and savings others are enjoying ours doesn’t measure up. And yes, even in relationships, other people’s children, spouses, families are so much better than ours; why can’t we have what everyone else has… On and on until dissatisfaction turns into discontent. We are unhappy, God is not glorified, and the devil is gleeful!

David prayed, “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance” (Ps. 16:5-6). And Paul wrote that he had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he was in. Whether he had plenty or things were scarce. Whether he was in good health or contending with some sickness. Whether he was in prison or free to come and go as he wished. Through Christ he had lassoed the spirit of contentment, so he did not have to wrestle with the devils of discontent and dissatisfaction. Not through a series of self-help seminars or books, but through Christ. In his relationship with Christ he had discovered he could handle and endure anything, he could see the best in the worst, he could stomach the unstomachable, he could see the light in darkness, and so can we. In the word of God and promises of God and relationship with God we can learn and secure that same spirit of contentment Paul discovered and had.                  

Discontent is an ugly monster and a cruel master of the soul and under his influence we will never find rest for our soul nor be content with what we have. Christ says “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30) This rest includes rest from discontent and dissatisfaction. Christ will help you be content with your lot in life. He will keep you from sleepless nights and fretful days. He will lift that burden of wanting more or better or new, off your shoulders and liberate you from tormenting devils, nagging thoughts, and endless striving. He will quell the wanderlust that won’t let you be happy with where you are and turn it into peaceful bliss. The world will offer many solutions to discontent: buy more, get more, do more, trade-in, trade-out, trade-up; but Christ provides himself. He provides comfort and truth and a right perspective. He provides strength and hope and happiness. He provides the promise of heaven where everything is perfect and we will be perfectly satisfied and content. Let’s Pray,

Dearest Jesus, thank you for this reminder about contentment. May we pray this promise over our lives and over our loved ones also. May we remember we do not need life on earth to be perfect for us because perfection can only be attained and experienced in heaven and until then you will supply what we need and give us what you want us to have. May contentment be ours today and always. In your name we pray, Amen