Contentment

"Contentment" by Marion Coltman

Are you content?

Have you ever asked yourself the question: ‘Am I really content?’ or can you remember a time when you have felt true contentment? We live in a world where people are always looking for the next big thing, the latest fashions, the latest model of computer, a better car, a bigger house. No matter how much we possess, we always want more, bigger, better! How do we ever reach that point where we are just happy with where we are now?

Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person’s life. Can you recall feeling an empty void somewhere deep inside? What is it that you turn to in order to fill that space? What is that you do to take away the discontentment? Many people fall into the trap of turning to things such as binge drinking, retail therapy, relationships, drug use, over/under eating, excessive exercise, and the list could go, to try and fill this empty void. The trouble is that very often these things will give a quick high, and leave no lasting joy. So how do we find true contentment?

Paul wrote many letters in the Bible, and in his letter to the Philippians Paul talks of true contentment because he had a contentment that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:12 says: ‘I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.’ Paul went through many difficulties in his lifetime, but he was still able to say: ‘I am content with whatever lot I have been given’. True contentment comes from knowing Jesus, and making him our source of joy and power.

Turn to Jesus and he will teach you how to be satisfied in every circumstance. Turn to Jesus and he will fill your deepest longing. He will supply all your needs in the way he knows is best for you.

Wendy Parkhill (Captain)