The American Heritage Dictionary gives one definition of contentment as, “The state of being contented; satisfied.” Do we ever really feel satisfied? I’ve seen people who appear to have a comfortable living but seem very discontented. I believe God has given us a drive to seek out, to do better, to press on… Sadly, I think many of us become wrapped up in our selfish ambitions and forget to realize tomorrow is not promised to any of us.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, “Now 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 clothing, with these we shall be content”
For some people it can take a life changing event to realize how much time was wasted trying to satisfy when everything they needed was right in front of them all along. I’ve learned in my darkest moments that if it was just me and God, I really would have everything I need. We should never forget, ultimately, it is He who provides and He who allows us to have abilities we do.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”
Some tend to look at people in less prosperous countries and comment on their lack. What we don’t always hear about is the contentment these people often feel with many aspects of their life. Not every family has a need for large home, nice cars, name brand clothing or the latest electronic toys. Rather, people residing in countries we view as lacking still seem to find pleasure in family and the simpler things in life.
So how do you find contentment in your life? I find it when I’m able to separate myself from the distractions of my day and get into the Word and prayer. It seems to put everything in my life back into perspective. It’s so important to have some devotional time with the Lord for this reason. Many I talk to prefer to do this in the morning as a way to start off their day. I do it at night because it seems to be the quietest time in my day. How easy it is for us to forget to slow down and get back to the basics of living.
All scripture references have been quoted from the NKJV.