understanding contentment
We have been going to a young adults bible study here on Maui & a couple of weeks ago we talked about contentment. The definition of contentment is this: a state of happiness and satisfaction. So much of my life has consisted of worrying about what I am going to wear, having my house look picture perfect when visitors come over, being a certain size, looking put together, etc. I have yet to master any of those things, & probably never will ;) Truth is my house is usually a mess with toys everywhere & dishes in the sink & yet why should all this matter so much when this life is just a vapor? Worrying can ruin so much of a person's life & for what reason? It doesn't bless anyone & it certainly doesn't make anyone a better person. I often think, "oh, my life would be perfect if I just had that one item" (instant satisfaction). It doesn't last. Contentment, on the other hand, is a gradual satisfaction. It takes time to be completely content & even then, can anyone be truly content? I believe that is when you have to look at your heart & continually ask the Lord for that contentment in your life.
As the summer on Maui approaches to an end, the reality of moving far away is sinking in. I am so excited to go & see what the Lord has for us, but with that excitement has come worrying about finding the "perfect" apartment in our small student budget or how are we going to drive a 6 x 12 foot trailer across country!? The Lord has been so gracious with me & while I was talking to Matt today, he told me to just trust in God! What an awesome simple reminder. God has every single thing already taken care of & if we don't find a place right now, I know that He will provide! God is constantly reminding me of His many blessings & promises. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. I have a family, a roof over my head, food on my table & clothes in my closet. Being content is becoming free! Free to live life daily with joy & knowing that God is taking care of each one of us! I have to ask myself daily, am I being content or am I robbing myself with worry?
Here is just a few of some awesome verses the Lord has given us to meditate on!
"Now 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 clothing, with these we shall be content." 1 Timothy 6:6-8
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" Matthew 6:25
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tom`orrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-24
In church a couple of Sundays ago, we sang this song & the words left me with tears. God sent His son to this earth & set us FREE! What an awesome reminder of how He loves us so much!
One reason why I should be content everyday is pictured below ;)
