My Path to Contentment

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. – Philippians 4:12

In my thirty-six years on the planet, I haven’t seen it all but I have definitely seen plenty. Looking back to all the different circumstances, I can confidently say that there were times when I was completely content. I have had times when I had more than I really needed and there were times when I didn’t really know where my next meal would come from. This proved to me that contentment had very little to do with external things but was a feeling that can only be harnessed from the inside.

I remember falling in love and getting married ignorantly at the age of twenty. I was content with the person that I picked even though I knew nothing of substance about him or his values. As time went on, I developed the unhealthy attitude of tying my peace and contentment to him and the relationship. That is where I learned hash Lesson Number One: We have to look beyond people and relationships for our contentment. You see being human we let each other down over and over again. Trying to find contentment in our spouses, children, extended family and friends is a futile effort. People will always disappoint us at one time or another. I have since learnt to be content in the sufficiency of the Holy Spirit and no one else. If I am married, I am content. I have someone to talk to late into the night, someone to go out to dinner with and someone to go to the movies with. If I am single, I am also content, I read a good book or magazine, watch a movie late into the night. I take myself to dinner and the movies. If I get a call from a friend, one who listens without judgment and without criticism I am content. If no-one calls me and I sit in my recliner listening to my favorite CD, I am also content.

It didn’t take long to figure out Lesson Number Two: Situations and circumstances should never be a key to contentment. One thing that has no respect for color, gender, affluence or race is pain. We will all feel it. The homeless man on the corner begging for food will feel pain. The CEO with the expansive corner office with all the things money can buy will also feel this emotion called pain. Life will always be full of ups and downs and the God who bring us many great blessings will also allow us disappointments because it is the only way that we can truly grow. Contentment must be constant when we know that we have absolutely no control over situations or circumstances. God is the one with the absolute control. So as life turns – topsy-turvy sometimes, it is crucial that we develop the spirit of contentment and peace through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Only He can bring contentment; nothing else will. A brand new car may bring contentment for a while until the newer model with all the bells and whistles is released by the car manufacturer. Things will bring temporary contentment. Lasting contentment can only come from Our Heavenly Father.