Daily Bread (Contentment)

[shortlady]

Daily Bread (Contentment)

Read: Philippians 4:4-13

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —1 Thessalonians 5:18


A poet once wrote: “As a rule, man’s a fool. When it’s hot, he wants it cool. And when it’s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting what is not.”

What an insightful observation on human nature! So when we read in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible?

For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have 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 everything through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ.

Paul reminds us that contentment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something that we learn. As our relationship with God develops over time and through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. Paul knew that Christ would give him the strength to persevere in whatever situation he encountered (v.13).

No matter what you’re facing today, through prayer you can receive the strength to be content.


The world is filled with so much good
That brings us joy and pleasure,
But true fulfillment only comes
When Christ we love and treasure. —Sper

We find contentment at the same place we find salvation—in Christ.

 

[Diamondlight]

I have found that contentment depends on what the goal of your heart is and what you truly worship in life.

I said for a long time that my life was about worshipping God but the lie in my heart was evident from what i spent most of my spare time doing. I was stunned when the realisation hit me, that i could no longer say... my life is about worshipping and serving God, i had to start from a place of truth and say actually, my life is about materialism (i went shopping at every opportunity), gossiping on the phone and TV. These were the reality of what took up my leisure time. Not study, not prayer and not helping the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.

Thankfully, now that has changed and since it has, since i got serious and honest about what i actually lived my life doing, i have had a much more stable life, and much more contented life.

Certainly not complacent or comfortable but content? Yes. Insomuch as, whatever comes my way, be it calamity or fortune, i know that the only things i need in my life are the word in my hand and peace with my maker inside of me.

All else is temporal, and even though hardship, discipline and unanswered questions are hard to deal with, if you have peace in your heart, then you know the reason and purpose for the hope that is within you. The hope for which you live and the fruits of you life show evidence of that internal reality.

Great post shortlady =)