What are you depending on for your joy and contentment?

Everything we see online or TV is trying to convince us that we need that newest and greatest gadget or thing. Those advertisements are trying to steal your focus and joy.

Contentment is literally realizing that God has provided everything we need for our happiness. No matter how much or how little someone has, they can have a lasting contentment when God is the source of their lives, joy, peace, identity and purpose. It comes from the security of knowing that their greatest need (forgiveness/salvation) has already been provided by Jesus.

The opposite of contentment is covetousness. Now no person is ever going to openly admit that they covet anything or anyone, but… Do you ever desire something that you don’t have? Do you ever get your mind set on something that you believe is necessary for your happiness? Or… Do you sometimes feel like God can’t bring you the satisfaction you seek alone? I know that at times I answer yes to any one of these questions. Maybe not all of them at once, but at least one once in a while.

The Bible says that if we desire an object more than God, then that replacement object has become an idol. A simple desire can quickly escalate into a terrible situation that ends up hurting others, if not brought under control.

Contentment is not natural.

It has to be learned and practiced. We need to repeatedly turn our focus to the Lord whenever we feel discontent.

Philippians 4:11-12 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Ask God if that thing you are desiring is something you actually need and then trust Him to take care of it. Sometimes God hasn’t given you something you desire because he wants you to wait or he may not think you need it to fulfill his purpose at all.

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

We were born into this world with nothing, and we can’t take anything with us when we die. God wants to provide for us. He doesn’t desire for us to worry about anything in this life. That verse in 1 Timothy clearly says that all we need is God, food, and clothes; but hasn’t he given us so much more.

Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

All that we think we need right now will all one day be gone. That is why finding contentment in Christ is so important, because it lasts for eternity.

What are you resting you content in today?