Learn To Be Content
Human nature always clamors for more. More money. More time. More days off. More wins. More cars. More stuff. More. We see it displayed in a two-year-old: “Mine.” We see it displayed in our own hearts. The desire to always need more is hardwired into our DNA because of the fall of Adam in the garden of Eden. It is a part of our sin nature.
What is not a part of who we are in our natural self is the ability to find joy in the things that we do have. In Ecclesiastes, it is described this way: “God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them…” (Ecclesiastes 6:2, NIV).
Listen to this dilemma: having everything you could have ever wanted but not having the capacity to enjoy it. This is where we remain if we are apart from God. We have blessing upon blessing but we cannot find any joy.
Some may respond: Well, I don’t have very much at all, so obviously, I cannot be content. Listen to this truth: if you are not able to find contentment in the little that you do have, you would not be able to find contentment if you had a lot. Contentment is not based on the size of your bank account but on the condition of your heart.
To experience true joy, two things must happen. First, you must find your ultimate joy in God. First Peter 1:8 says this: “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter I:8, NIV). If you are seeking to find joy anywhere besides in God Himself, you will be disappointed. We are created for a connection to God so lasting joy will never come apart from that relationship with Him.
Second, you must learn how to be content. Contentment is a learned behavior. Paul says this: “11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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” (Philippians 4:11-12, NIV). Twice Paul points out that he has “learned” to be content.
Through the times when he had plenty and the times when we had little, Paul learned how to trust the Lord and find joy in the Lord. But, he had to learn it.
Have you learned to be content whatever the circumstances? If yes, then walk in the joy of the Lord. If not, ask God to teach you how to be content. Find joy in Him alone.