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Scripture says, “…godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 But what does it mean to be content? Is it a lack of want or need? The absence of interruption and trouble? To a degree, I suppose being content embraces all the above, but scripture leads us to a realization of contentment in the midst of these as well. Jesus cautioning us to, “…not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”; promising “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” But not as the world gives it. (John 14:27) As his life exemplified, not the absence of trouble but peace in the midst of it. In fact, he was brutally honest in assuring us that we would indeed experience trouble throughout our lives even as he promised help in overcoming it. (John 16:33) As a result, “…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard (our) hearts and (our)minds (from worry and despair) in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Outside of his will, just the opposite is often true; as we seem to constantly seek something bigger and better or someone more exciting and satisfying. Why can’t we just be happy and at peace with what we have and who we are? What must we do or learn to be able to echo Paul’s sentiment of, “…we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content…” 1 Timothy 6:8

Is that really all there should be to life? Are we to never strive to be better – or different, to have – or do more? Must we never attempt to adjust our lives or influence those around us through a common cause? As Christ’s representatives, we should be all about influencing people, but never selfishly manipulate them to our way of thinking; convincing them rather of the rightness of the way of the cross and enabling them to see for themselves the example Jesus set of a fully involved and righteous lifestyle. In doing so, we will then be enabled to understand that, in the grand scheme of things, our lives are a “…mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:13-15 When we then realize that life and the after-life are totally dependent on him and that peace of mind comes only as a result of placing our will in his, we will find contentment. (See Luke 12:16-21 & Proverbs 27:1) Which doesn’t demean our purpose as human beings but rather enhances our ability to excel as we are recreated in Christ’s likeness.

Hebrews 13:5 encourages us to, “Keep your lives free from the love of money (or the acquisition of things) and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’” Jesus warning us to, “Watch out! ...a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 As they can be so easily lost. Paul’s solution to, “…not be (ing) anxious about anything…” was to take, “…everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving… to God.” Philippians 4:6 By doing so, he “…learned the secret of being content in every situation,… (whether he was experiencing plenty or need); his sense of assurance and calm acceptance of all things rooted in the realization of, “I can do everything (or endure all things) through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13Who was of course Jesus. (Who had himself learned obedience and acceptance – while gaining victory over life’s uncertainties as well as the supposed finality of death, in his submission to God’s will in all things. (See Luke 22:42)

Jesus spoke of his intent for our lives when he said, “…your father knows what you need before you ask.” Matthew 6:8; assuring us that, “If you …know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11; and declaring, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV) Or “more abundantly”. (KJ) John 10:10 Which is not a guarantee that nothing contrary or difficult will come our way. But when we learn to rest in God’s presence, we become capable of accepting His promise to make all things, good and bad, work to our benefit. (Romans 8:28) Which if nothing else, gets our focus off any current difficulties we may be struggling with and refocuses our attention on the promise of salvation and the relationship we can develop with our Lord and Savior as a result of his grace and mercy. Thereby learning that peace does not come in the absence of trials but in the presence of God.

The angelic declaration, “He is not here; he has risen,…”, empowers the promises of eternal life and victory over death Jesus gave us. (See 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 10:14 & 1 Corinthians 15:53-57) He then challenges us with, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25 Well, do you?

Is a relationship with God the single most important pursuit in your life? Christ came as the exact representation of God’s being and glory (Hebrews 1:3), revealed as God’s incarnate Word (John 1:1,2 & 14); so that he could be seen, heard and experienced intimately. His purpose being to bring us to a saving knowledge of God’s love through Christ’s sacrifice and the opportunities for service we have as a consequence of salvation. As he instructed, “…seek first (God’s) Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, clothing and shelter – the things that occupy so much of our time and energy) will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 This will then create in us the desire and ability to love him with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Matthew 22:37 & Mark 12:30) and implicitly trust him to work all things for good in our life and in the lives of others. (John 14:1-4) Scripture assuring us that, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:11

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

What's to be thankful for in this?