Question: Are you a contented person? That’s a thought isn’t it?
I sincerely hope that you are but if you are not, is it possible to learn how to be?
There are many restrictions right now that are causing people to feel frustrated and discontented. You cannot, for example, as I write this blog sit down in a restaurant and have a meal with friends or family. There is great uncertainty around the area of booking a summer holiday. There are travel restrictions within local areas let alone abroad right now. That and similar things have ruffled the feathers of some folks making them unhappy in the extreme.
The question is though - Do we need such type things to make us happy?
Now I am not asking if they are preferable or enjoyable, which of course they are, but should our happiness be dependent on them?
One of the famous church fathers was Augustine of Hippo (born 345AD and died 430AD). He tells a story about a time he felt in very low spirits in his life. He outwardly seemed to have it all. He had wealth, education and success yet the fact remained he felt miserable inside. One day he passed by a beggar who had nothing but the rags he was wearing who seemed so happy. It caused him to re-evaluate his life and was the beginning of his conversion experience.
Philippians 4: 11-13 tells us:
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: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me
Here the apostle Paul speaks of highs and lows in his own life. At times he was full, other times hungry. Now note he does not tell us he was automatically content but he teaches us “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content”
He learned it! As he gained experience with God and maturity in his faith.
Now how did that come about? He came to realise the strength he needed did not come from possessions or favourable circumstances but in his relationship and reliance on Christ.
So it is for each of us today and we experience our own ups and down, hill tops and valleys. We to must learn contentment is found in Christ Jesus The Prince of Peace.
Much love in Christ - Pastor John