BE CONTENT

The idea of being content, especially in the world in which we currently live, is not an easy task. With so many things going on that have people anxious, confused and upset, being content seems to be an impossibility. Yet, from the Christian perspective, if we put our trust, our lives in the Lord’s hands, we can be content. Take note of some things God’s word says about contentment or being content.

The apostle Paul gives us an excellent example of contentment when he says the following: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13). Though the context of the passage speaks about having little or having plenty, the principal is still true. No matter the situation, we can handle it if we place our trust in the Lord, knowing that He will always be there for His children.

From the Hebrew writer we hear the same message about being content: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Once again, the Lord promises to be there with us and for us through whatever the circumstances may be, for as the writer goes on to say “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me” (vs. 6).

May we, therefore, not be overcome by frustration (Philippians 4:6) or by the evil things that go on around us (Romans 12:21), but be strengthened knowing that the Lord is with us and will continue to be with us if we remain loyal to Him.