More on Contentment

Since yesterday’s post I spoke about my contentment, I decided to do a little researching and reading what the bible and bible scholars had to say.  This is what I found.

What is contentment? One definition states that contentment is “happiness with
one’s situation in life.” 1 Another definition states that contentment is “the state of
being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind.” 2 So, contentment could generally be
defined as a state where a person is happy and not anxious with life no matter what
the circumstances.

after spending some time reflecting on God’s word and about contentment in our lives,  I ran across this commentary…from Biblegateway.

It is a good work to succor and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favorable circumstances. Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always. And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than the other; for the temptations of fullness and prosperity are more than those of affliction and want. The apostle had no design to urge them to give more, but to encourage such kindness as will meet a glorious reward hereafter. Through Christ we have grace to do what is good, and through him we must expect the reward; and as we have all things by him, let us do all things for him, and to his glory. (Php 4:20-23)

John MacAuthur gives these secrets to contentment: (you can read in detail these secrets)

• First, learn to give thanks in all things.
• Second, learn to rest in God's providence.
• Third, learn to be satisfied with little.
• Fourth, learn to live above life's circumstances.
• Fifth, learn to rely on God's power and provision.
• Finally, become preoccupied with the well-being of others.

Contentment and the Bible

What brings contentment? Contentment is a gift from God and grows out of having His perspective on life. "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 him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13, NIV.

Contentment grows out of humility and trust in God. "My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me." Psalm 131:1, NIV.

Contentment grows out of devotion to Christ and eternal values. "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24, NIV.

Coveting is a barrier to contentment. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17, NIV.

Materialism is a barrier to contentment. "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." I Timothy 6:9, NIV.

I’d like to say that I am feeling more content today about things, but that isn’t the case.  Still at this moment, I feel like I am dangling by a thread with uncertainties.Even a little down about where and how things stand.  So much is going on in my head and heart and I know I need to “be still” and listen.   I know I need to turn all these things over to God and let him do  the work….but my human flesh begs me to hang on.   I know I must “Let go and Let God”.

Is this something that you struggle with too?  If so, how do you cope with being content?