How many people are happy with their lot in life? How many are really satisfied with what they have? Why is it so many are disappointed with the state of things? God wants us to be truly happy no matter what circumstances we are in. Is your heart settled? Or are you in a perpetual state of anxiety? Let’s look up scriptures about contentment.
(1 Tim 6:6-8) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. The apostle Paul is saying that there is much advantage to a person who lives a godly and contented life. He then gives a reality check about how we come in and how we go out of this world, with no material goods at all! He then says we should be satisfied with the basic provisions of life such as food and clothing. Anything we have on top of that is an added advantage, but you don’t need it to be happy.
(Phil 4:11-13) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I like how Paul says he had learned to be content. That means contentment does not come natural or easy. Being sinners, we always want more and grumble if we don’t get it. But we can learn to balk at this tendency and adopt a contented state of mind, in times of plenty or in times of leanness. Sound impossible? The key is the Lord will strengthen us for this. You really can change and be a satisfied customer!
(Heb 13:5) your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” We live in such a materialistic society and everything says we need more and more . . . and more to really be happy. But we are not to be greedy and always thinking about the next attainment. We are instructed to be satisfied with what God has given us and to trust Him for all our wants, needs, and desires.
(Luke 3:14) Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, . . . be content with your wages.” John the Baptist gave a great principle to live by: Be content with your level of income. It can be challenging at times with the high cost of living as well as fighting that greedy monster inside. God help us to live prudently and to trust Him in all things!
When we complain about our lot we are telling God He’s not doing a good job. Ouch! Fight that discontentment with thanksgiving for what you already have. Enjoy your life and the people God has put in it. Smell the roses and eat more chocolate. Breath deep . . . and smile!
(Psa 103:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.
Louie