Contentment is realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions.
THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT: TRUST
By Jeff Syverson
Pastor, Faith Alliance Church – Middletown, Ohio
Introduction
I don’t know about you, but I often find myself scratching my head trying to figure out the logic of many T.V. ads. Do we really believe that a bottle of Coke could help teach the world to sing in perfect harmony? Will the beautiful supermodel of the ad really fall in love with me because I use a particular brand of toothpaste? If I pick up the right paper towel, will my arm instantly be transformed into that of a weightlifter so that I can complete my household tasks in superhuman strength and speed? If I become an Oscar Mayer wiener, will everyone really be in love with me? I learned a long time ago, that TV ads promise a lot more than they deliver.
I did learn an important lesson through TV ads, though. I learned that it’s tough to be content in a media rich society where the latest style, the most innovative product, and the newest model is constantly flashed before my face. I learned that it’s hard to maintain contentment in a computer-based world where I always seem to be an upgrade or two behind.
In some ways, contentment seems a very hard commodity to come by these days. The credit card companies promise to take me “everywhere I want to be.” The alternative to that seems a high price to pay. But does having more and having it faster really bring satisfaction? Or does it just feed the endless cycle and leave me wanting even more and wanting it even faster? Paul suggests an alternative that just may bring some rest and order to our rushed and stressed out lives: the secret of contentment.
The Lesson
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.” - Philippians 4:11-13
Contentment whatever the circumstances... Is it possible? Where does it come from?
For Paul, the secret was a trust-based relationship with Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (vs. 14). Whatever his circumstance, he knew that he was not alone. He had placed his trust in Christ. Contentment is found as we learn to trust God whatever our circumstances.
In Romans 8:28, Paul expressed it this way: “And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Knowing that God is with us whatever our circumstances and that he is working out things to bring about something good, enabled Paul to find contentment in his circumstances.
In a similar way, he encourages with these words: “The God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9) That God is with us brings us contentment.
What benefits does contentment bring?
· Joy. Paul said, in the same context, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4) Contentment brings joy to our lives—an end to the ceaseless striving for more and more. It offers the possibility of finding great joy in the gifts already given and, more to the point, the giver of every good and perfect gift.
· Peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:6-7). Contentment can bring a relief from anxiety; a peace that comes from trusting God and bring our requests to him with thanksgiving.
· Hope. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (13). Contentment with my present circumstances enables me to rejoice and be thankful for the present blessings. That thanksgiving leads to a greater realization of the goodness of the Giver and enables me to trust Him and find hope whatever the circumstances. Our hope is not found in the things we possess, but in God “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Tim. 6:17). Rightly focused on the Giver rather than the gifts, we are able to truly enjoy the things we have been given and find great hope, for all of our needs to be met. One of the amazing ironies of contentment is that when we find our delight and contentment in the Giver, He often brings to us greater blessings than we had expected -- God, then, often gives us the desires of our heart. (Psalm 37:4) Contentment brings many blessings — sometimes unexpectedly abundant blessings -- because we serve a God who loves us and is faithful to his promises. Perhaps the greatest of those blessings is the hope we find through a lifetime of learning to trust God and finding Him faithful.
Concluding Comments
Final Focus
Paul gives a beautiful blessing to the Romans (15:13) that may hold the secret to contentment:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The secret to contentment is developing a relationship of trust with the God of hope who is able to fill us will all joy and all peace and overflowing hope by his Spirit. The key to contentment and to the blessings of contentment is “Trust” (“as you trust in him”).
Comforting Words
Perhaps your circumstances seem overwhelming right now. I hope you will find encouragement in these words of Hudson Taylor:
"It doesn't matter, really, how great the pressure is; it only matters where the pressure lies. See that it never comes between you and the Lord -- then the greater the pressure, the more it presses you to His breast." -- Hudson Taylor
C.H. Spurgeon also encourages me in times when I struggle to find contentment with my present circumstances. He writes:
"God is too good to be unkind. He is too wise to be confused. If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart." -- C.H. Spurgeon
Contentment is possible and desirable because we serve a God that can be trusted; A God of Hope who will bless us with joy, peace and overflowing hope by his Spirit, as we trust Him.
Contentment is realizing that God has already provided everything I need for my present and future happiness.