Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- September 23, 2010
“My heart is not proud O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul. Like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.” Psalm 131:1-3
Contentment is not being concerned with matters out of its control. Anytime we try to manage circumstances out of our purview we grow discontent. Discontentment is a dangerous place to live, because it may lead to a hasty and/or unwise decision. Decisions made under the duress of discontentment are not always the best.
Contentment on the other hand is patient and prayerful in decision-making. Most things do not have to be decided right away. We can wait and watch God unfold His will. Contentment does not try to change people. This is God’s job. He will deal with them in His way and in His timing. Christ can be trusted to transform others on His schedule.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).
A contented person does not have to be in the know about everything around them. This unhealthy curiosity is fed by pride. Pride and discontentment are first cousins. Too much information can get you into trouble. You are responsible for what you know. It may be that you are not ready for that level of authority. Be content and trust God with those issues that exceed your experience to understand or your capacity to perform well.
Contentment is found by placing your hope in God. Hope in God can never be taken from you. If we can trust Him with our soul for eternity, we can trust Him during this brief time on earth. Hope feeds contentment like an appetizing meal to a homeless man. It is when you lose hope that you grow discontent, but lasting hope is found in Jesus Christ.
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:5).
Don’t make it hard. He is not allusive or in hiding. He is available now. Contentment’s hope is in the Lord. If you place your hope in anything other than God, you set yourself up for major disappointment. Everything else in life is capable of letting you down, but not your Heavenly father. He is there for you. His desire for you is contentment. Christ desires contentment, because He knows this is where pure joy and happiness nurture and grow.
Sad are the discontent, glad are the content. Driven are the discontent, called are the content. Restless are the discontent, peaceful are the content. Addicted are the discontent, satisfied are the content. Pessimistic are the discontent, hopeful are the content. Thus, be content and enjoy its peace. Above all, base your contentment on Christ and not on your circumstances.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Is my contentment based on Christ or on my circumstances?
Related Readings: Job 36:11; Song of Solomon 8:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:6
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
