Discontentment can raise its head from time to time, and quite unsuspectedly. It also can present itself in various ways, often making it difficult to identify.
Such was the case so I reached for a much beloved book and read the familiar words:
“The prudent lover considereth not the gift of the lover so much as the love of the giver. He looketh for affection more than the value, and setteth all gifts lower than the Beloved. The noble lover resteth not in the gift, but in Me above every gift.”
(The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis, The First Book, page 59)
Each time I return to read it, I ponder the questions:
- What does true contentment look like?
- Do I truly believe that no matter what life may bring my way, I can truly be content?
Contentment can be defined as being satisfied. It is an ease of mind (according to dictionary.com). Contentment is displayed when we are feeling, or showing, satisfaction with our current possessions, status, or situation.
Contentment means there is no striving to gain yet more.
Contentment does not come from the accumulation of possessions. We can gain, buy, collect, and upgrade without experiencing any sense of satisfaction at all. Paul tells us in Philippians 4, he was content when he had little or much, a full or an empty stomach for he had learned to be content with whatever he had.
Paul had found a way to be content with possessing life’s necessities. Necessities may vary from culture to culture, but withing our own framework, we can come to the realization of having enough.
Contentment is also to be found in accepting the circumstances we may find ourselves.
“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (Philippians 4:12, NASB)
Paul had found a way to be content with “enough”.
Enough was whatever he had in that moment; and wherever he was in the moment.
Whatever. Wherever. Jesus will always be enough.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by Karl Egger from Pixabay
