Are You Contented?

I’d like you to believe that “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am in, to be content.” (Philippians 4:11) That means we are satisfied with the life or situation we are in. But those are Paul the Apostle’s words – not mine. I’ll admit I can find myself less than contented.

Today my sweetheart and I are going on our honeymoon. We put it off until now when we actually have the time to go. We are heading to Puerto Vallarta, a most wonderful gift given to us by our children. We are so grateful!

But, you know what? Of all things, I see a friend’s post, also going on their honeymoon. She comments: “Headed on our epic honeymoon. Can’t wait! If you have suggestions in London, Prague, Austria, Germany, Switzerland or Italy — let us know!”

I commented on her post. “How wonderful and blessed you are! I am so happy for you. Make lots of memories. We are delighted to be headed to Puerto Vallarta for a week for our honeymoon! How good God is to us! Love and blessings to you!”

BUT, as I read and commented on her post, I had that gnawing twinge of discontentment. Of all things, when I am so excited about our trip and I should be over-the-moon grateful, the enemy of my soul tries to steal my joy AND contentment.

Here’s what I know. God is more interested in our gratitude and satisfaction in what we have been blessed with. And, oh how blessed I have been. Soaking up contentment means our joy and happiness doesn’t depend at all on our circumstances.

How do we eliminate discontent? We eliminate the cause: comparing. Yesiree — the comparison game that is so easy to play here on social media.

We compare everything — homes, clothes, cars, vacations (I was caught red-handed!), hairstyles, cooking, and even the education of our kids. We even taunt others with a photo of our kid holding a sign that says: “My Kid is Student of the Month!”

Whenever we compare, we’re going to become discontent. We must learn to stop comparing ourselves to others. Paul continues in Philippians 4:12, “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.”

Contentment doesn’t come naturally; it is something we have to learn. If we do this, God promises to meet all our needs. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 says: “There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we will take nothing out of it.”

One of the greatest secrets in learning to be content is to realize everything we have is on loan to us for a few decades! We just get to use it while we’re here on earth.

That’s called “stewardship”. We are the manager of what God allows us to have while we’re here, but it’s not really ours. When we understand that we’re just a manager of the blessings God allows in our lives, and we hold them with an open hand, we won’t be uptight about losing them.

I am purposing to be content because I know that God can turn off one faucet and turn on another just as easily. So, with Paul, I say: “I have learned, in whatsoever state (or city or country) I am in, to be content.” Thanks, God, I needed this blog today!