Contentment
Over the years I’ve heard a number men and women state: “I just want to be happy” to justify their decision to get divorced, seek a better job, drive a certain car or live in a specific neighborhood or even joins a certain club. But here’s the thing, none of these choices bring lasting happiness! How do I know? Because if we do not learn to be content where we are, we will not be content where we want to go. Contentment and one’s personal happiness is not about geography, nor is it about our circumstances!
God says, “Want to be happy? Seek truth. Live by faith. Give yourself way in service. Deny yourself and surrender your life to Me.” This is how contentment is found. Yet, it’s all too common for us to cling to some selfish ambition that is at odds with leading a surrendered life.
Look at the life of Jesus …He walked the talk! He talked to His Father in heaven constantly. He never once acted on His own. He never took credit for anything He did. He always sought and listened to the Father’s voice. He always obeyed. Some may say that Jesus had no choice, but they would be wrong. He was 100% human, having the same weaknesses as all humans. Yet He never gave into sin. He lived a perfect life as a human being. And He did so by constantly seeking the Father and obeying what His Father led Him to do! The secret of contentment is not getting what you want, but wanting what you get! What a comfort to trust and be content with our sovereign and good God.
Paul’s words to the church of Philippi remind us that contentment is not easy, but is learned as we grow in our relationship with the Lord. “Not that I speak from want, for I 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 abundance; in any and all things 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” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Amen!
An MCHA Stop~n~Think - 3.21.2025 - Courtesy of MCHA Ministry Coordinator Tim Chastain
