Articles
Learning Contentment
Are you happy with what you have? Let's face it, compared to much of the world, every one of us has a lot, even if we see ourselves at or below the average American's means. I suppose it's our nature to want more, for sure it's our culture. We are taught from an early age by society that more is better, bigger is better, and we face that issue in our lives.
The Apostle Paul says, "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.” Philippians 4:12 NIV
Like Paul, we have the secret to being content. He tells us just a few verses earlier, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV
God provides. Our sole dependence needs to be on Him. He will provide what we need, and we can rest assured He takes care of us. When we need to, we ask God to supply, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV
Like Paul, our lives may see times of need, as well as times where we have more than we deserve. Our job is to trust God in all these times, being satisfied that He gives what we need.
He simply wants us to pursue Him while He takes care of our worries. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV. "These things" in that verse are a reference to preceding verses where He's talking about life's necessities. Christ tells us, these will be given to those who seek Him. We can then be content, without worry as Paul described, rejoicing in Christ.
If you have any wrinkles at all, you've learned that happiness doesn't come with more, necessarily. If we haven't learned to be happy with what we have, and most of us have plenty, do we think more stuff will change that?
