Contentment is a super power
I want to continue yesterday's theme...
For some reason, many Christians, particularly those in the economic middle and upper class, have begun to believe that they are entitled to a pain-free life...
For some reason, many Christians, particularly those in the economic middle and upper class, have begun to believe that they are entitled to a pain-free life...
This is not the picture that the Bible paints:
- "In this world you will have trouble" - Jesus
- "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials" - James
- "...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." - Peter
- "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." - Paul
- "The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble. " - Moses
But Paul reminds us that we can find contentment in difficult circumstances. This amazing ability comes to us through our faith and trust in Christ, who is no stranger to hardship. He experienced the ultimate heartache: the God-forsakenness of the cross.
So, what is contentment?
It is knowing that despite our outward circumstances - "It is well with our soul." In his letter to the Corinthians Paul puts it like this: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2Cor.4:16-18)
It is knowing that despite our outward circumstances - "It is well with our soul." In his letter to the Corinthians Paul puts it like this: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2Cor.4:16-18)
| 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 (Philippians3:12-13) |
