Contentment

“But 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 raiment let us be therewith content.” I Timothy 6:6-8

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

Contentment – a state of happiness and satisfaction.

The attributes of contentment are:
1) Satisfaction, being pleased with what we have achieved in line with our expectations.
2) Lack of envy.

How are you feeling today? Are you dreading another day of being isolated from everyone else? Are you alone and wondering just how you are going to get through another day? Are you facing another day of homeschooling, or working from home, and just wishing you could crawl back into bed and stay there? Perhaps you are longing just to get out of the house, maybe visit a store and treat yourself to something special. Wouldn’t it be nice to meet some friends at the Coffee Shop?

OR, are you looking around at all the things that the Lord has blessed you with and realizing that you have everything you need to make you happy. We make a choice each morning to be contented or frustrated. Maybe there is not everything in our cupboard or refrigerator to make the same meals we used to, but we can be thankful for the food that is there. God has promised to supply all our needs. We get creative and put things together for meals that we never did before and sometimes these become favourite recipes. For the past week I have been eating white bread, something I have not done for years, but when you order whole wheat and they send white, you learn to be content with what you are given. By faith, I ordered whole wheat this week and just hope that I will receive it, but if not, I will be thankful for what they send.

This situation we are in did not come as a surprise to the Lord. He has a perfect plan and is working all things for our good. Like Paul, we are learning to be content, even during the circumstances we are now facing. The Lord will always keep His promises, and we can rest content each day in Him. This is another lesson that He is teaching us. Let us work hard at it and master it.

Prayer: Lord, in a world that is filled with discontent, help us to find contentment in you, trusting you each day to meet our needs and draw us closer to you.

Devotion by Anne Johnston