Strive for Contentment
The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs 19:23)
As we approach the Christmas holiday, our minds should be on the celebration of the birth of Jesus, which is the reason for the season as they say. However, many find this time of year stressful and depression and suicide goes up.
Why would such a joyous time of year cause that much stress and depression? There are many reasons such as the loss of a loved one, an illness, financial burdens, etc. But in reality, a lack of contentment can cause us to be stressed and depressed.
Being content simply means being satisfied and having “ease of mind”. Being content can bring joy and peace to your life even when you are going through problems and turmoil. We live in a world that screams “joy comes from having an abundance”, but that’s not what the Word of God says. As with Proverbs 19:23, when we fear the Lord, which simply means honor, reverence and submission to God, we will find life and will be content. We will be untouched by trouble. That doesn’t mean we won’t have troubles, but it does mean that trouble will not affect us the way it does others who do not have the Lord. We will have peace knowing God is in control and will take care of us.
In Luke 3 we see John giving a message to specific individuals when he was preaching on a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Each group asked him what they should do and one was a group of soldiers. In verse 14, John gave them the following instructions:
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
John called them to live a life of contentment with their pay instead of oppressing others through extortion, stealing or false accusations. John knew of their wrongdoings and gave them the information they needed to begin to live an upright life. The choice was theirs. Sometimes the lure of money and “things” can tempt people to act in sinful ways just to receive more instead of being content with what they have, and trust that God will provide for their needs if they are lacking.
Philippians 4:12-13 the Apostle Paul states:
12I 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
At some point in our lives, we have all been in need and we have all had plenty. What is your view of having plenty? Having plenty isn’t just about having an abundance of money and things. Having plenty can mean a stocked pantry, refrigerator and/or freezer, clothes to wear, a car to get from one place to another and a warm house and a bed to sleep in. If you have those things, you know what it’s like to have plenty because many do not have these things. Yet sometimes we see others who have more and that puts a desire in our heart to strive to get more, even if that means we have to commit sin to get it. The enemy knows how to lure us with pretty “packages” and promises of getting rich quick knowing it’s his way of getting us to worship him through fame, fortune and material possessions, but in reality, it’s always a trap that causes us to sink deeper and deeper into a hole that we may not be able to climb out of on our own. He tried to trap Jesus with the same lies and promises when Jesus was fasting in the desert. He came at Christ at a time when He was weak with hunger, but Christ did not take the bait because He was strong in spirit from prayer and fasting. He combated Satan with scripture and was victorious (Matthew 4).
Our view of plenty has become distorted by the world. Plenty is having your basic necessities met…food, clothing and shelter with bills paid. Lack can mean that a requirement is not met…to be short or in need of something. When we come to Christ and are saved, we learn to become content with what we have and do not have to fear about a need being met. He will provide for our every need. Sometimes we may have to live paycheck to paycheck, but if needs are met, we must be content with that and not fear the “what ifs”. Sometimes we may not be ready to handle more and must grow spiritually and learn to place our focus on Christ and not on money and things. While there is nothing wrong with wanting more especially for emergency purposes, it becomes wrong when our desires for money and material possessions become our focus.
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. (Luke 16:10)
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but being stressed over gifts, finances or anything else means your focus is in the wrong place. Take the time to spend time with God and re-shift your focus back to Him. Though the world has made Christmas about gifts and things, change your way of looking at it. Go back to the basics and simplicity. Jesus was not born into luxury in this world, but in a simple stable and placed in a simple manger to sleep in. His family was not physically wealthy, but they were spiritually wealthy and their needs were met. God provided for their every need and kept them safe. It doesn’t matter where you are or what your situation is, when you re-shift your focus back to God and become content with what you have, God will bring you peace and provide for your every need. You only need to trust in Him.