On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate your contentment? Contentment can become a challenge when things seem to be going terribly wrong. When others talk about us, office politics, financial loss, sickness, worry, relationships, the list is endless.
The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 that he “…had 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 all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul had learned to trust in God. Before you say, Paul doesn’t know what you are facing, listen to his words in II Corinthians 11:25-33 where He says he was beaten with rods 3 times, stoned once, and shipwrecked 3 times. Paul knew what it was to have nothing and to be left for dead. Yet Paul found how to be content in any situation he found himself.
When we struggle to live in peace, and to find contentment, it’s often times because we aren’t trusting enough in God. Scripture can help us to find contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 reads, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” There is much gain to be found for those that live a godly life filled with contentment. The truth is, we will leave this world with nothing. It doesn’t matter how much stuff you accumulate. In the end, it will all be left behind.
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; and never will I forsake you.” When you are feeling overwhelmed, over stressed, at your wits limit, remember God has said he is always with you.
Contentment is found in God and in his word. When the world is pushing in on you, learn to be like Jesus. Find a quiet place to pray. Slip away to your secret mountain top and spend time with your creator. Jesus always found time to talk to His Father. And if we learn to do the same, we will find peace and joy. And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.
