CONTENTMENT LOOKS TO GOD

Faith Filled Thoughts
October 1st, 2008
By Connie Ciccone
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CONTENTMENT LOOKS TO GOD

Scripture: Philippians 4:11 "For I have learned to be content with whatever I have."

It is easy to be content when you have plenty and things are going good, but it is another story to be content when nothing is going right for you and your life is falling apart. The Apostle Paul said that he had learned to be content. Learning is a process that only comes through study or experience. Paul had experienced many victories as he shared the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, he had also faced many disappointments and suffered times of hardship and lack. Yet, regardless of the state that he found himself in, Paul had learned the virtue of contentment. He had learned to be content during the times of plenty and he had learned how to be content when he was forced to fast out of necessity.

Many times we confuse contentment with happiness, but they are not the same. Happiness is contingent upon what is happening around you and when things are going good, happiness abounds. But happiness comes to a sudden halt when adversities come and circumstances change. Contentment, on the other hand, is more stable. It is a knowing that God is in control even though your ship is being tossed about in the midst of the storm. Things may not look good, but contentment trusts God. It reports that "It is well with my soul" even though a loved one is passing through the valley of the shadow of death. And when you are facing the worst of situations, contentment allows you to say as Job said, "Though God slay me, yet will I trust Him." Contentment looks to God when weaknesses challenge and says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Verse 13). In battle it says, "I will not fear, for God is with me." Contentment never dwells on evil. Instead it says, "Whatever things are honest, lovely, and of good report, I will think on these things" (Verse 8). Contentment doesn't worry when there is lack but declares, "God shall supply all of my needs" (Verse 19).
One day a friend and I had lunch at a small store. Erin ordered her usual a soup and salad and I ordered a tuna fish sandwich. When our order arrived, we both said a prayer and began to eat. Erin noticed that my sandwich was a bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich. Not what I had ordered. She quickly asked me why am I eating a sandwich in which I did not order? I said “Well God must have wanted me to have a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. See I have learned to be content in most circumstances where, If I would of made a choice to make a big fuss out of it. It would have simply ruined my lunch and perhaps my entire day. That is why I think God said choose your Battles wisely.

The contentment that Paul had learned left no space in his heart for murmuring or complaining. He declared that God's grace was sufficient and he learned to rejoice and give thanks in all things. He knew that all things were going to work together for good in his life because he loved God and was called according to His purpose. Allow God to work in your heart in this same manner, and like Paul, fix your mind to learn how to be content with whatever you have. As you do, you will find that God will make up the difference.

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!

With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie