THE ELUSIVENESS OF CONTENTMENT

1 Timothy 6:6 Now, godliness with contentment is great gain.

As I went into my regular praise and worship during morning devotion, these words came out of my mouth and surprised me, even as I spoke them… “Thank you Lord for giving me contentment.”

Huh??? I’ve had a wonderful life; been HAPPILY married to the love of my life for 40 years; lived in beautiful homes which I thoroughly ENJOYED , but have not always been CONTENT.  So, happiness and enjoyment are NOT contentment?  Nope, I am living proof that one can be happy, enjoy life and still feel that something is missing.  There was always that little “something” that was waiting just over the horizon; the missing “piece” that will complete the puzzle of my life; Oh the ELUSIVENESS OF CONTENTMENT.

In the United States, the “Land of Plenty,” CONTENTMENT seems to have been deleted from our thinking, state of being and even our lexicon.  We are constantly challenged to “chase the American Dream.”  We may not even be sure what the “American Dream” is but we join the chase because we want our “slice.”  

Print and Social Media, television and radio add huge revenues to their bottom line by convincing you that “you will be happy, filled with joy or find contentment” if you buy this, experience that or travel there. Then we discover AFTER we buy “this,” a better, newer “this” has just been introduced; the “experience” wasn’t all “that” and our travels were a temporary “high,”  that has left us with empty pockets, in debt and more DISCONTENT than before.

So what is CONTENTMENT?  Why does it seem to be so ELUSIVE?

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need; for I have LEARNED, in whatever state I am, to be content.

In Philippians 4:11, Apostle Paul tells us that CONTENTMENT is a LEARNED BEHAVIOR.  He goes on to declare that he has lived humbly and with plenty; knows what it feels like to be hungry and at other times be full, but whether in need or abounding, he has LEARNED to be content.  Well, SORRY PAUL, but I can’t just “THINK” myself CONTENT…I need a HOW and a WHY…give me something more.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.

The writer of Hebrews instructs us to CHANGE OUR BEHAVIOR and STOP SPEAKING about all that we DON'T have; BE CONTENT with what we DO have.  LEARN TO BE CONTENT!!!  Here is the HOW AND WHY…Get your FOCUS on an important TRUTH , “God will never leave you or forsake you.”

CONTENTMENT BEGINS WITH THANKFULNESS!!!  Look around you, what could you do without and still be happy; you might surprise yourself…I have.  Listen to people who have “lost it all” in a fire, a flood or a storm, what is the first thing they say?  It is usually how thankful they are to BE ALIVE, then to have their family safe. We have all heard the interviews and the same line repeated over and over, “Things can be replaced.” 

CONTENTMENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT GOD IS YOUR SOURCE.  Too many times we look to our employer, our investments or even the government as the “source of blessing.”  SERIOUSLY???  No wonder CONTENTMENT is so ELUSIVE.  Companies close their doors, Investments are actually just RISKS, that sometimes win and other times lose, and the Government can’t even manage itself let alone your life.  ACKNOWLEDGING GOD as your source opens the door to PERSONAL CONTENTMENT.

CONTENTMENT IS ALL ABOUT SURRENDER.  When you finally come to the place where you can exchange your dreams and plans; your will, for God’s dreams and plans according to His Will, you have reached the PLACE OF CONTENTMENT.  The striving for position will no longer drive you because you have assurance of your POSITION IN CHRIST.  The constant search for the “next best thing” will no longer hold your interest; you possess the PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.  Surrender even erases worry and stress as you embrace GOD’S THOUGHTS OF A FUTURE AND A HOPE, FOR YOU.

Well now, maybe CONTENTMENT IS NOT SO ELUSIVE after all.  It’s YOUR choice; you decide…CONTENTMENT over UNFULFILLED DESIRE…CONTENTMENT over EMPTINESS…CONTENTMENT over UNCERTAINTY. 

CONTENTMENT can be yours today; BE THANKFUL, ACKNOWLEDGE GOD and SURRENDER.