Contentment

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11b (NIV)


          Have you ever noticed how over-extending yourself tends to bring unwanted pressure into your life? Sometimes I think we busy ourselves in order to gain more, find acceptance among peers, land a better position, and gain riches of all kinds. Perhaps we live under the illusion that having such riches is what makes a person complete, content, and deliriously happy. Yet, when we discover that's not the case, we're left feeling empty and discontent.
          Contentment and security are not found in career titles or in the kind of car we own. The logo on our car only tells others what kind of car we drive - not who we are. True satisfaction, in its purest form, is found in the wealth of who God is and the riches He graciously lavishes upon us.
          The truth is, we don't have to like where we are or what we have, but if we will choose to thank God for His provisions regardless of our feelings toward them, we'll experience the same contentment Paul encountered.
          Being thankful doesn't mean that God will eventually remove us from our situation. He may; He may not. Rather, being appreciative sets us free from the desire to have and lets us rest in the riches of contentment. And when we reach a place of contentment, we don't need earthly riches galore.
          God becomes our greatest treasure. In Him, we have everything we need.


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