CONTENTMENT

 "Now godliness with contentment is great gain." I Timothy 6:6

Contentment is defined as a state of satisfaction. When you are at peace with yourself, what you have, where you are, and where you are going, you are content. 

Going by this definition, are you content? With who you are, what you have, where you are, and where you are going?

If you answered no to any of the questions above, TRUST ME, you are not alone. 

In the world today, covetousness rules because a lot of us are discontent with our lives. The world has got us constantly chasing after one ideal or the other. Just when you think, 'whew, now I can rest here,' something else catches your attention and immediately, you lose the taste for what you were just about to enjoy. Gratitude then gives way to murmur and lamentation. The chase continues. 

There was a point in my life when I thought to myself, "once I get 'here', I'll be content."  So, naturally, I hurried through those seasons of my life, anxious to get to the next chapter, to grow older, get a better job, and finally 'settle' in this area or that area. Reflecting now, it felt like whenever I checked something off the list, an invisible hand added some more to it, keeping me farther away from the destination called contentment. Oh, but thank God I have learned now that contentment is not a destination. Even here, even now, I can be content. We can be content. 

I understand no one wants to be stuck in one spot forever. We love growth. We want more and more. And Boy! There is always more out there to aspire to become or acquire. When does it all end? It never really does. That is why it is dangerous for us to see contentment as a destination because then, we would never be content! 

So, how then do we become content? We learn it. 

In Philippians 4: 11-12, Paul says that he had to LEARN how to be content. 

As pious as he was, it wasn't inbred in him. He made the decision to learn how to be content, and it paid off! He discovered the secret to facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 

You know what that tells me? There is hope for you and me.

"Oh, but it is so hard! I have tried and failed. I just don't think I can do it!" 

In Philippians 4:13, Paul writes, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Christ can also strengthen you and me. Learn it, but ask Him for strength. 

"But...Learn how..."

By developing an attitude of gratitude. Wake up every day thanking God for who you are IN HIM and what you have IN HIM. Recognize that He holds your future. He knows you by name, and He sees you right where you are. Believe that He has a plan for your life, and it is a good one. Shift your gaze, shift your focus from what you can get to who you already have (GOD!) and all you have IN HIM. Finding contentment outside of God is a futile adventure. 

So, why not change your hearts posture today? 

Why not find rest in God today.

Being anxious and stressing over the next season of your life doesn't make it come any faster. It only rubs you off the joy in your now. 

Are you stuck in a season you can't wait to escape from? 

I will leave you with this heartfelt prayer a friend of mine shared with me while we discussed this topic. 

"God, please show me what I need to learn this season. Let me be at peace and enjoy every moment. Let me learn the lessons, let me grow and let me take what I am meant to from here. Let me see you here and enjoy you here. Let me be a light here. Before the next thing comes, and you do all of this all over again." 

Isn't that absolutely beautiful? Let me be light here. Let me enjoy you here. I love it!

Is that your prayer also?

Related Scriptures: Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:11-13, I Timothy 6:6-8, Luke 12:15, Philippians 4:19,  I Timothy 6:17-19, James 4:2, Psalms 37:7. 

Song of the Week: You Satisfy by Upper Room.