Contentment

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. [2] I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. [3] And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. [4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. [5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. [10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. [11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - Philippians 4:1-13

    Here are five things which, if God the Holy Spirit is pleased to establish them in our hearts, will surely give every believer contentment.

1. The purpose of God. All things that have ever come to pass in this world, both great and small, both prosperous and adverse, both pleasing and painful, both good and evil, come to pass according to God’s eternal, immutable, unalterable purpose. Learn this in your heart, and you will learn to be content. ‘For of him, and through him, and to him are all things: to whom be glory for ever’ (Rom. 11:36).
   
   
2. The providence of God. Everything in heaven, earth and hell is sovereignly ruled, governed and manipulated by God in infinite wisdom, according to his own holy purpose for the eternal, spiritual good of his people. Nothing in this universe breathes or moves without God’s decree and God’s direction. ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose’ (Rom. 8:28).
   
   
3. The power of God. Our God is almighty. He has purposed us good and he has the power to accomplish his purpose. He cannot be frustrated or defeated. ‘He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?’ He is God. You can safely trust him.
   
   
4. The presence of God. ‘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’ (Heb. 13:5). Can you get a sense of this fact? If you are one of God’s believing children, the omnipotent, eternal God is with you! Surely, the presence of God with you should give your heart contentment at all times.
   
   
5. The promises of God. Open the book of God’s promises, and find a rich source of contentment for your soul. To you who are in Christ Jesus, all the promises, those exceedingly great and precious promises of God, are ‘Yea’ and ‘Amen’ (2 Cor. 1:20).