Jan Willis : Hope and Healing

Contentment

Posted on October 2, 2021

Exodus 20: 2-4 NASB

2 I am the Lord your God.

3 You shall have no other gods before me.

4 You shall not make for yourself an idol.

Philippians 4:11 AMP

I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.

Discontentment

Anytime I feel discontented, I’ve turned my focus from God as my first love to coveting something or someone else more than I do him. I’ve made something else a god in my life. I no longer appreciate what I have or who I am. I’m unthankful. Comfort, money, and self demonstrate just three examples of idols.

The definition of discontent is a restless desire or craving for something one does not have. Gloom, bitterness, chafe inwardly, gripe, grumble, nag, contentious, covetousness, testy, argumentative, and disagreeable all signal discontentment.

“Why can’t she do ….? Why should I do it?”

“Why does she have ….? Why don’t I?”

“Why do I have to live with ….? Why can’t I be the way I want?”

“Why does he act like ….? Why do I have to listen to him?

Contentment. I Can.

I do not desire to love anyone, or anything more than I love God. Not money, possessions, affections, power, or position. I desire love for the Lord God, his love, his presence, and his power in my life. I can make it through anything with and in him. Even if I am penniless and alone, I am rich beyond measure if I am content in Christ alone. When my contentment is in God, I can do everything and anything without complaining or arguing. I can do all things readily and cheerfully, without bickering or grumbling. I can be glad I can do the things I should be doing. I can be a breath of fresh air in this miserable, polluted world. I may be the only glimpse of God others ever see or encounter. So if my contentment is in the Lord Jesus, I can do all things as his representative, give thanks for the opportunity, and the privilege to serve him. If I do and say everything in his name depending on him with a grateful heart, I work willingly and cheerfully at whatever my task may be. I put in my best effort for Jesus. He is my real boss and he will reward me in full when it’s time for my inheritance. I must remember I live for Jesus, not for people. Jesus Christ rewards me from all that he owns. I can be content, knowing I live for the Lord God, Jesus Christ, and his reward is immeasurable. I give thanks for the honor to work for him and serving others… what a privilege.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

I am.

I choose not to love anything or anyone more than I love you, Father God. I do not wish to worship money, relationships, possessions, or positions. I do not wish to covet, but to be content with what I have, where I am, and with who I am. I am thankful you have allowed me to be where I am at this time in my life so I may glorify you.

Thank you, Father, for all I have, and all I am in you. All honor, glory, and power belong to you, Lord God. Amen