Intro

The dictionary defines content as satisfied, wanting nothing more and nothing else.  Apparently the root of the word is a synonym for willingness, perhaps as in being willing to accept circumstances.  The Bible has quite a bit to say about contentment.

Scripture

We’ll begin with Psalm 131:

1 My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.  2 But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.  3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

And Proverbs 19:21-23:

21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  22 What a person desires is unfailing love, better to be poor than a liar.  23 The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Ecclesiastes 4:4-8

4 And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.  5 Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. 6 Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. 7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother.  There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.  “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business!

And finally Philippians 4:4-13:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Commentary

Taken together these passages are quite interesting.  The Psalm tells us that we will never find what we are seeking in knowledge and learning.  Proverbs tells us that neither “pursuing our dreams” nor seeking worldly love will satisfy.  1 Timothy and Ecclesiastes say that even achievement, status, and wealth won’t do the trick.  Only a relationship with God, submitted to His care, can bring about contentment thru His peace.

I was thinking about the passage from Philippians this week.  The Apostle Paul doesn’t seem to be the sort of guy to be contented easily.  After all, he wasn’t content to merely disagree with the early Christians before his conversion.  Rather, he was willing to strike out on foot and traverse long distances just to hunt them down!  After his conversion he went on extensive missionary journeys, wrote exhaustively, started numerous churches, and never ceased to provide counsel.  He was learned, well-traveled, and strong-minded in his opinions.  Yet near the end of his life, imprisoned, afflicted with health issues, and certain that he is facing execution he had learned the secret of being content- that we can rest assured God is in control, and that nothing can happen to us that He does not ordain.  No one can take anything away from a child of God, not even their life, without God’s hand at work turning it around so that all things work together for an eternal good.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, please share.

Be blessed.

K