Contentment

Contentment...what does that even mean? 

1 Timothy 6:6 says, "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Philippians 4:11-13 also speaks of contentment, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Webster's says that being content means "satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else." 

So, I guess that contentment ultimately is finding your satisfaction in Christ and Him alone. That's why Paul could declare his contentment regardless of his circumstances. Can I do the same?

The hardest question for me is not can I be content with less (or more), but can I be content single even though I do desire to marry again? Can I be content right now? Can I be content tomorrow? Can I be content with whatever God has planned for my life? I sincerely believe the answer is "yes."

I don't think I will live this out perfectly or all the time, but it is my heart's desire. My heart's desire is to be so completely captivated by the love of Jesus that I can truly be content in all things. I love to use words like overjoyed, excited, and amazed. But, I find my use of those words are dependent on my circumstances and not my Savior. True joy is found in Him alone, and in Him I find my contentment.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

This one stretches me a little more than other verses shared earlier. "I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities." What? Who says that?  Well, by God's grace, let it be said of me...that for the sake of Christ I will be content no matter what.

A song that I used to sing back in my high school days was based off of both Philippians 4:13 and the 2 Corinthians passage. 

His Strength is Perfect 
by Steven Curtis Chapman

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
But sometimes I wonder what He can do through me
No great success to show
No glory of my own
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know

[Chorus]
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He'll carry us when we can't carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect

We can only know
The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes
His strength in us begins
Where ours comes to an end
He hears our humble cry and proves again






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