Contentment

The following is a quote from my daily devotional this morning (Our Daily Bread for August 24, 2010). It really made me think about some soul searching things. I'll start with the quote and progress to my thoughts.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for
you. —1 Thessalonians 5:18

A poet once wrote:

“As a rule, man’s a fool. When
it’s hot, he wants it cool.
And when it’s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting
what is not.”

What an insightful observation on human nature! So when we read
in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible?

For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “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. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ.

Paul reminds us that contentment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something that we learn. As our relationship with God develops over time and through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. Paul knew that Christ would give him the strength to persevere in whatever situation he encountered (v.13).

No matter what you’re facing today, through prayer you can receive the strength to be content. —Albert Lee

The world is filled with so much good that brings us joy and pleasure, but true fulfillment only comes When Christ we love and treasure. —Sper

We find contentment at the same place we find salvation—in Christ."

My verse to meditate on this week is John 16:24, "Until now you have ask for nothing in My name. Ask & you will receive, that your joy may be complete."

If we find contentment in the same place we find salvation, do we find Joy in the same place we find contentment? Are these things the same thing? I do not know that I consider them the same thing.

To me, contentment is not wanting more than I have and being thankful for what I have... not always longing for more... not having the cow mentality, "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."

Microsoft Bookshelf defines contentment as the state of being satisfied. I think you can be contented or satisfied without feeling joy. I think you can not want more, yet, not really be happy or exuberant.

To me joy is more than just being contented or even happy. It wells up from inside and bubbles out, but like contentment, I don't think it is contingent on my circumstances. I don't think Paul was talking about joy necessarily at this point. He seems to be talking about the monetary state of his life. If he has plenty of food, money, etc. However, I think it could all be related. Can you really experience joy if you are not contented?

Microsoft Bookshelf defines joy as, "Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness. Synonym = pleasure; the expression or manifestation of such feeling. Or, a source or an object of pleasure or satisfaction: their only child, their pride and joy."

It seems to me that for either contentment or joy to not be contingent on our circumstance or what life throws at us, it must be something we get from Christ. If we ask for Christ, He will give himself to us so we can be complete. Joy, intense and especially ecstatic happiness or pleasure, is the result of asking for Christ.

So... my mind keeps asking... how can I (overextended, tired, stressed person that I am) experience this joy and contentment?

I am a Christian. I have ask Jesus to forgive me, save me, and live in my heart. I do meet with him every morning. However, I find myself longing to really experience contentment and joy... not exhaustion and stress. It seems to me that Jesus is telling me to seek him... not the emotion. Emotions are fleeting. If I seek Jesus with all my heart, soul and mind, He will give himself to me and He is joy and contentment.

But, how? What am I doing wrong?

Lord Jesus, please show me how to seek you... really seek you. Please fill my life with yourself so I can experience your rest, joy, contentment & peace. Thank you so much for loving me and offering this to me. --In Jesus Name, Amen.

Until next time...