Living Examples of Contentment
Life gives us countless reasons to be discontent. But the Lord’s promises and His presence in our lives give us every reason to turn it around.
One of the perks I enjoy as a speaker and global worker is visiting with people of all ages and from many different cultures. They always enrich my life.
On my recent trip to Nepal, I met a group of church leaders who live in the region where the earthquake’s epicenter happened seventeen months ago. These folks had precious little to begin with and they lost it all when the earthquake struck, and yet they danced for joy when we worshiped God together with music.
I watched them celebrate Jesus, and I knew immediately that they have much to teach me.
One of the lessons is contentment
Warren Wiersbe writes,
“Real contentment must come from within. You and I cannot change or control the world around us, but we can change and control the world within us.”
My Nepalese friends model Wiersbe’s words. Despite their world literally falling out from beneath their feet, they’ve chosen to control the world within them. They’ve chosen to give thanks and praise God in the midst of dire circumstances that we North Americans seriously cannot fathom, and the result is contentment.
That doesn’t mean they don’t try to improve their situation in whatever way possible, but it does mean they don’t complain and constantly wish their circumstances were different.
The apostle Paul is another example of someone who mastered the art of contentment.
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything, I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT).
And so my challenge today is this—in what area of our lives do we need to learn contentment? Maybe we’re unhappy with the weather—rain’s in the forecast but we’d much prefer sunshine. Maybe we’re worried about money matters or unhappy about our work schedule as the holiday season approaches.
Perhaps we’re feeling cheated or sad because, as the holiday season approaches, it’s not turning out as we wish it would. Perhaps you’re not satisfied with your marriage or with your singleness. The list could go on and on.
Life gives us countless reasons to be discontent. But the Lord’s promises and His presence in our lives give us every reason to turn it around. Like my Nepalese friends, we, too, can become living examples of what it means to be content.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Enjoyed your comments on contentment
Thanks for stopping by Vivienne. I’m glad you found this blog helpful. Blessings to you!
I tend to compare myself to other people and it hurts me to look at the world as very unfair. Especially when it comes to dealing with salary.
Hi Jonathan. I “hear” you about comparison. I think that’s a trap into which many of us fall, and it never goes well for us in that place. Someone once said that comparison either leads to pride (when we feel we’re better than others) or discouragement (when we feel others are better than us). When I feel myself falling into the comparison trap, I have to choose to pray a blessing over the one to whom I’m comparing myself, and to give thanks for what the Lord’s given me.
What do you do when you feel discouraged through comparison?
This article has blessed my soul wonderfully. God bless you.
Hi Adline. Thank you for stopping by to read this blog. I’m glad that it blessed you and I hope that other blogs on my site will do the same. Have a great day!