Do you struggle to feel content when life presents adversities, pain, or loss? I do. My human nature, if left unchecked, would like to constantly seek out the "next thing" that will maybe, just maybe, make me feel better. God has been presenting me with opportunities, especially the past 5 years, to learn how to be content in every circumstance.
More recently, God has been bringing this issue to light in my devotionals, my Scripture readings, and sermons that pop up in my YouTube algorithm. This morning I saw a sermon by one of my favorite Bible teachers, Dr. John Barnett, entitled, "Are You Content? You Can By Unleashing the Secret of Supernatural Contentment Today". Can God be any more obvious? He was speaking to me directly. So, I listened to it and was challenged, blessed, and encouraged.
I'll include a link down below to his sermon but I wanted to spell out for you just two simple thoughts related to how to be content in this article.
The truth of the matter is, you will not and cannot find contentment in anything in this world. You were created by and for God and your citizenship is not of this world. If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you are a citizen of Heaven and God's incredible, beautiful Kingdom. Somewhere, deep inside your spirit, you know this fallen world is empty and your soul longs for the beautiful and loving Presence of God.
Psalm 42:2 says, "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Psalm 16:11 says, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
The second point I want to share is that finding contentment in Jesus Christ comes from learning about His character, His attributes, and coming to trust Him deeply with all your circumstances. If you are lacking something (food, clothing, shelter) that is a need, you can trust God to provide your needs.
Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
We can learn to be content when we feel lack and when we have plenty because the Creator of the Universe, God Almighty, owns everything and He will provide for us according to His loving ways.
Matthew 6:30-33 says, "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
There is one person that really stands out in the Bible who teaches about this concept of being content in Jesus Christ. It is the Apostle Paul. He was beaten, imprisoned, ship-wrecked three times, and finally martyred for his faith. Paul said, "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 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. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)
My prayer for myself, and for you too, is that we will enjoy the freedom that comes from being content in all circumstances because we know that our God will carry us through. When we get to the other side (Heaven), the sufferings of this life will be barely remembered.
Praying God fills you with deep Contentment,
Sherry Joy Collier, Artist & Therapist at The Praying Heart Art Studio
P.S. Here is the link to Dr. John Barnett's sermon about Contentment which is very, very good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLAztamtXNA