Content

September 17

Isaiah 26-27

Psalm 105:7-11

Proverbs 23:1-3

Philippians 4

Content

“Not that I speak from want, for I learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:11, 13 LSB

Contentment is difficult in a culture that demands more, more, more.  We are constantly bombarded with ads for the hottest fashions, the current trends in home décor, the newest cars, the latest advances in technology, and the list goes on and on.  There is never enough.  Each season the styles change just enough so that you need to buy new clothes to not look outdated.  Technology becomes obsolete so that if you don’t get the newest versions you can’t function well.  You don’t want to invite people over to your house unless you update your décor to make sure it is trendy and fresh.  We are like mice on a wheel and we can’t get off.  Does any of it really matter?  Does having the latest, the best and the newest really bring satisfaction?  Can any of those things provide happiness and contentment?  When we are kids, we can’t wait till we graduate from high school.  Then we look forward to graduating from college.  We can’t wait to get married.  Then we look forward to having kids, buying our first house, paying off our student loans.  Then it starts over as we anticipate those milestones for our kids.  As we get older we long for retirement, to travel, etc.  There is always some other goal, some other big milestone or desire we hope to reach.  But in the end, what really matters?  I’m not suggesting that those things aren’t worthy goals, but if we are always reaching for the next thing, are we missing out on what we have now? 

Paul said he had learned the secret of being contentment in whatever circumstance he faced.  I think that secret can be found in the verses just before, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!   Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests by made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (4:4-7 LSB)  The secret of living with contentment, meaning and purpose is trusting God.  Ultimately, the only things that matter are things that have eternal value.  If we spend our lives pursuing earthly treasures like possessions, power, position, and popularity there will never be enough.  We will be striving for fulfillment and meaning in things that cannot satisfy.  If however, we trust God to provide everything we need, we will find that the things He gives us will satisfy our needs and bring a joy and peace that is beyond our comprehension.  Nothing we face will be beyond our ability because He will give us the strength we need to persevere.  I hate the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”  That is absolutely not Biblical.  God often gives us much more than we can handle, but He never gives us more than He can handle.  We have to trust in His strength and ability not our own.  “We can do all things through Him who strengthens us.”