Scripture reminds us to be satisfied with what we have, and where we are in life. This is a marked contrast to the attitude of our culture. People today are not content – with little or much. The more people have, the more discontent they seem to be. Mass media advertises items that are far more optional and discretionary, but you would never know it from the sales pitch. The media message is never, “wouldn’t you like to have this?” rather it is “You NEED this!” If we expose ourselves to this type of appeal, we will find ourselves “needing” things you don’t even want! To protect yourself, pay careful attention to whatever you are attaching the word “NEED” to. We will be satisfied with little when we refuse to depend on the luxuries of this world to define our “success.” We must “learn how to be content” and a key to that is learning to ve satisfied with the things that you have in life.… READ MORE

Contentment is such a hard thing in our lives, because we are so determined to control our own destiny. The reality is that we need to learn to trust in the providence of God to see us through the events of life. Paul writes in Philippians 4:10 “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. until we truly learn that God is sovereignly ordering everything for His own holy purposes and ultimate good of those who love Him. When we take of the responsibility of ordering our lives, we become frustrated in repeatedly discovering that we can’t control everything. Contentment comes from learning that God is sovereign not only by supernatural intervention, but also by natural orchestration. Paul’s testimony is to “work as hard as you can and be content that God is in control of the results.… READ MORE

In Philippians 4:11, Paul says, “I have learned in whatever state I am therein to be content.” Paul was not talking about an emotional detachment to circumstances, rather he was referring to a firm confidence in the power of God to see us through the difficulties of our life. Paul understood that “He could do all things through Christ who strengthened him.” It is so hard for us to be content, because we are always looking for a life of ease and abundance. Because of our sinful hearts, we never seem to “arrive” at that destination. Contentment must be initiated by faith in Jesus Christ and it challenges our thinking in 5 areas: Confidence in God’s providence; satisfaction with what we have, Detachment from circumstances, sustained by Divine power, and a preoccupation with the well-0being of others. I will give you a bit of time to ponder these and then I hope to briefly expand on these things in the coming days. I want to leave you with one thought today. living in contentment is a choice of the will, that starts by trusting in a loving, merciful, sovereign Lord. May you learn as Paul did how to find contentment … READ MORE