I would hazard a guess that most of society lives in a constant state of discontentment. People seem never to be happy with their leaders, partner, spouse, children, jobs, or any of the things that they have been blessed with. People allow discontentment in their lives over their house being too small, the TV being an older model and their smartphone doesn’t have the latest technology. So what’s a person to do to find contentment in such a discontented world, and why can’t we seem to find what we are looking for?
Perhaps it is because many people, Jesus followers included, are trying to fill a void of some kind in their lives, and unfortunately try to fill that void with things that can’t satisfy. People often look to fill the void with possessions, holidays, success or money, but end up wanting more. Or they try to fill it with relationships or sex, only to end up feeling even more empty and depressed than when they started.
The bible however talks about contentment coupled with godliness being of great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6 says, “now godliness with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is abundant and great gain.”
Those things we try to fill our lives with aren’t necessarily bad things in the right context, but when they become the end goal, and the reason for our being, we end up being discontented because those things were never meant to fulfill us.
Contentment is described in the bible as sufficiency; in that whatever circumstances we we find ourselves in we know that we have all we need. That kind of sufficiency God teaches cannot be found in our possessions, any achievement, or ourselves. The only place that we can really find true fulfillment and contentment is in relationship with Jesus; primarily because that is what we were made for.
He wants to fill every void within us, and to calm the storm that is often raging inside. To quiet the discontentment, frustration, and disappointment at how life can often turn out, and our constant striving to be successful and well thought of by others.
Paul discovered this godliness with contentment, and that when he lived in that place of sufficiency in Jesus whatever circumstance he found himself in He was content. He discovered that when in relationship with Jesus it didn’t matter whether he had plenty or not, or was suffering adversity He could remain unmoved because outer circumstances were not where he found his joy and peace. They were found in Jesus and His abiding presence.
In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul writes, “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. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Today know that you can find contentment in Jesus and in following after Him. He actually promises when we seek Him and His ways first that He will add to us all the other things that everybody else struggles so much to gain (Matthew 6:33) Contentment can’t be found in people, possessions, or money. In fact those things may hinder our pursuit for true happiness and contentment. Contentment is found in knowing Jesus and having Him central to our lives. It’s in having faith in Him and in His promises that we will have everything we need.
“If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” (Job 36:11)
“Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (Romans 8:32)
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)
Prayer: Lord please help me to be contented and to find my sufficiency, worth and joy in knowing you. Show me each day that regardless of my circumstances I can rest contented in your promises and love for me. In Jesus Name Amen.
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