I heard recently that contentment is not found ... it is learned.I think that is probably true. Contentment is not one of those things that comes upon us naturally. Our human natures seem to trick us into believing that our current circumstances should be different, because, if things were different, we would surely be happier, and hence more content.
But, what is new under the sun? What new and shiny "thing" is going to sweep us off our feet, when our feet aren't where they're supposed to be in the first place? Paul told the Phillipians that he had "learned to be content whatever the circumstances." He told them that he knew what it was like to be in need, and he knew what it was like to have plenty, and, regardless, had concluded that he could do everything "through him who gives me strength."
We have been given this moment, this very moment, and we should cherish it, and enjoy it for what it is. "[F]or it is now that God favors what you do." Ecclesiastes 9:7.
Posts
2 comments:
Your post (and Paul's comments) remind me of Proverbs 30:7-9...
"Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."
I like your next-to-last sentence, about enjoying this very moment. When I remember to stop and do that and appreciate both the moment and God, contentment floods in. It seems like you're onto something; maybe we have to consciously practice and remind ourselves to practice turning to God and appreciating what we have.
Post a Comment