Contentment

Contentment

by definition is: 

a state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter (Rom. 5:2).


I started this post about 7 months ago, and I can say with certainty, God has done a great amount of work with me on this subject.  In June of last year, when I defined contentment, with Biblical foundation, I had no idea that God would play that definition out so concretely in my life.  Seven months ago, I was not content with my circumstances, and although I still struggle with this concept in some smaller areas of my life, I can honestly say... I am content, actually, I am very happy with my life.  God is sovereign, He never changes, He never forsakes us, He never gives up on us, He is ALWAYS my rock and I try to draw nearer to him constantly.  Who wouldn't be content reveling in the deep, consuming love of our Father?  I think of some of the things I've chosen over him in my past and wonder why I ever thought some of those things would bring me more happiness or contentment than He desires so much to give me.  Can you say "Blessed beyond belief!!!"??  I absolutely adore my place in this world.  I have an amazing Master, Counselor, Father, Friend and He has given me so much here on earth...two of the most beautiful children (inside and out), an opportunity to share my faith with others through so many avenues, a wonderful supportive family, great..no amazing Christian friends, a job I can do from home, and a solid foundation of who I am in Him, which leads me down His path for my life and I'm excited to see where some new opportunities will lead me.  


Someone said to me the other day that they could tell when they spent even just a few days out of God's word and how unsettled that feeling is.  When seeking true contentment in our lives, we must seek His face, daily, more than daily really, constantly.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.  It doesn't say be happy when things are good, seek Me only when they aren't and take things into your own hands when they aren't going your way because you think my timing isn't good enough for you.


  Breaking that down a little further:


    v16 Be joyful always, while this goes against our human nature when things aren't going our way, if we are seeking His will in our lives, we can be thankful and even joyful that He loves us enough to allow us to go through trying times as well as the blessed ones so that we can draw nearer to Him, and glorify Him, even in the bad times.  When things are stressful and not going our way, it would be easier to just assume a fetal position and pout until we feel like dealing with it...but He wants us to see the opportunities to praise Him in everything, not just the good times!!  So while it may seem to be against our human nature to be joyful in trying times, when we are in His will, and know that he will not forsake us in those trying times, we can be joyful that he loves us enough to keep us there until His purpose and timing have been fulfilled.
   v17 pray continually, lets be real, we have lots of things and people vying for our attention ALL day long.  We have to MAKE time for this, it doesn't just happen because God clears our schedules for us when we want to talk to him.  But he always hears us as we go throughout our day when we talk to Him.  It sure is an amazing thing to think of His omniscience and ability to be everywhere at all times so that he is always available to us when we talk to Him.  Yes, I said talk... I think of my prayer time as just a conversation with a very dear friend, one where that person is able to complete your sentences, knows how you are going to react before you do, one you can trust to never betray you, one that truly has your best interest in his heart.  Why wouldn't He be the first person we turn to when we have a problem?  I have the best confidant you would ever be able to fathom, and his name is God.  He is the ultimate best friend you could ever imagine!  Talk to him, invest in your relationship with Him, He's waiting...
   v18 give thanks in all circumstances, you might think this sounds crazy, but every circumstance, every person, every relationship you encounter, has a purpose you can be thankful for.  For example, my marriage ending in divorce...horrible circumstance...but I'm thankful for it because God showed me through that circumstance (and many others of course) that He is dependable, and he gave me his provision, his unending friendship, and his nurturing, limitless love for me that no other man on this earth can ever provide to me.  He showed me that I am to look for relationships that model His love for me.  That His love is perfect and that we should love each other as Christ loved the church.  To love someone for what you can give to them, not what you can get from them.  To be Christlike, in all we do and all we share with others, no matter what the circumstances may be.  


So, those of you that know me, know I could go on and on about this, but I am going to leave it here for now... I'll end by saying, I want to draw nearer to Him every day, and soak in His love for me constantly.  I have never felt more loved by my Lord than I do in this current circumstance that he has me in, and I AM thankful and content RIGHT where He has me.  And I am very excited about seeing where this new adventure he has me on may lead!!  I L.O.V.E. my God!  ALWAYS!

Amy