With all of the difficult challenges swirling about us at this present time, it may seem a bit odd to ask the question, “How content are you?” And while we may not specifically think about it on a regular basis, just ask yourself, "What is my standard for achieving satisfaction and fulfilment?" So much of what we consider to be a state of contentment is based upon the circumstances of our life or the situations we currently find ourselves involved in. I think it can be universally agreed upon that we all desire to make our lives here on earth better for us and our families and so we work hard, we sacrifice much and we endure a lot. And though these may be commendable objectives that may, or may not, result in increased wealth, health, status, access and empowerment, another question we may ask ourselves is, "Are these things actually the means to truly realizing a pure state of contentment?"
Again, to achieve contentment we must be able to define our motivation in attaining it. If the objective is simply the satisfying of our physical, carnal and temporal desires, I submit to you that though you may experience worldly gratification for a period of time, it is by no means a permanent or lasting condition, and it will always be subject to change. As a result, our pursuit of personal pleasure becomes a “moving target.” Even in the great book of faith, Hebrews 11: 25, it records Moses' decision to steady himself and vigorously combat temptation and the notion to feel good by any means necessary by “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”
The stress and discontentment of being entangled in the affairs of this life often cancel out any success we think we’ve achieved. As the aged Apostle Paul wrote to the young Pastor Timothy, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2: 4) We forget that as Christians we have another war to fight. A spiritual war. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6: 12)
Now don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. Our God wants good things for us and everything good that happens to us is because of Him. “Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 6: 18-19)
We just have to make sure that worldly accomplishments, accolades, acquisitions and delights are not the main focus of our efforts. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3: 1-4) What good is victory and triumph on the world’s stage but defeat in the realm of eternity? “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16: 26)
The fleeting amusement of earthly possessions and achievements will rapidly dissipate when we all stand before Christ. Now is the time to realize that when we die we take nothing of this world with us. Job said, “…Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1: 21) Job understood what would be the same sentiment expressed at a later time when the Psalmist penned the following, “Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.” (Psalm 49: 16-17)
We must always keep in mind not to confuse “needs” with “wants.” In this world you may want something, but you also may not need it. God will give us what we need but is not obligated to give us what we want because what we really need for this life and beyond is Jesus and He is always available if we truly want Him. “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1: 3-4) So don’t let the enemy steal your joy if there is a lack of fulfilling the lusts of your flesh, but instead rejoice! “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2: 12-14)
However, this calls for us to put aside our own desires and strive to please our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Jesus Himself who is our perfect example of obedience to God said, “…not My will, but Thine, be done.” (Luke 22: 42) And when you do choose to serve God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength, He recognizes and acknowledges that. “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth all his goings.” (Proverbs 5: 21) Just remember that whatever we give up for the glory of God, just like Job He will multiply it’s return. “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6: 25-33) Or as Jesus told His disciples, “Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” (Luke 18: 29-30)
Our contentment should not rest in our bodily comfort or our worldly success, but in our humble, intimate, submissive, obedient and loving relationship with God our Father through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. True fulfillment only comes from the knowledge that we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and our souls are saved through faith in the grace of a merciful God. Possessions are not the key to satisfaction. As Paul said, “…for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4: 11)
Of course we may not be happy about painful or difficult things that happen to us, but the Lord doesn’t want us to focus on those things, but to keep our attention on Him. The beloved Apostle did not issue instructions to be thankful "about" everything, but he said to be thankful "in" everything. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 18) So be thankful that you have God with you wherever He’s got you and be excited that you have God with you for wherever He’s taking you. “…be content with such things as ye have : for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13: 5)
So fight that good fight of faith as Paul says in 1 Timothy 6: 11-12. “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” Do the best you can in whatever you put your hand to do but find contentment in the Lord our God remembering that the greatest of gain is godliness and in that alone you can be ultimately, continuously and eternally content. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6: 6-8)
Now I pray that you will be blessed by this encouraging song and that the Lord will quiet any storm in your life, blessing your soul with peace and contentment at this very moment.