We must learn to be content

Human nature always demands more of us. More money, more time, more days off, more wins, more cars, more of most everything. We see it displayed in our hearts, and our desire to always need more is wired into our DNA because of the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden. It could be a part of our sin nature.

What is not a part of who we are in our natural self is the ability to find joy in the things that we do have. Ecclesiastes 6 verse 2 says, “God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor so they lack nothing their hearts desires but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them.”

Listen to this dilemma. Having everything you could have ever wanted but not having the capacity to enjoy it. This is where we will remain if we are apart from God. We will have blessings upon blessings but we will not find any joy.

Some people might say, “I do not have much at all so obviously I cannot be content.” The truth is that if you are not able to find contentment in the little things that you do have then you will not be able to find contentment if you had a lot. Contentment is not based on the size of our bank accounts but on the condition of our hearts.

Two things must happen if we are to have true joy in our lives. First, we must find our ultimate joy in God. First Peter 1:8 says, “Though you have not seen Him you love Him and even though you do not see Him now you believe in Him and are filled with an expressible and glorious joy.”

First Peter one, verse eight says, “If you are seeking to find joy anywhere besides in God Himself you will be disappointed. We are created for a connection to God so lasting joy will never come apart from that relationship with Him.”

Next, we must learn how to be content. Contentment is a learned behavior. Paul says this, “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.” Twice Paul points out that he has learned to be content.

Through the times when he had plenty and the times when he had little Paul learned how to trust the Lord and to find joy in the Lord. But he had to learn it.

We must all learn to be content whatever the circumstance might be and we must walk in the joy of the Lord. If we are not doing that then we must ask God to teach us how to be content and to find joy in Him alone.