The Elusiveness of Contentment

I was listening to a series on Rightnow Media this week titled “Balanced”.  The series featured Andy Stanley teaching around the subject of finances and he said something that I thought was very significant. 

“It is not how much or little that you have that controls your misery factor.  It is an open hand or closed hand that controls it.” -  Andy Stanley

Do you struggle with contentment?  Have you bought the lie that if you had that next elusive thing you would finally be content?  Maybe for you it is a bigger house, nicer car, better health, or a better relationship with a loved one.  Whatever it is, it is important to know that contentment does not come through stuff- even good stuff!  Contentment is learned and it is learned through an intimate, personal walk with the Lord.  The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:12,

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.

How cool is that!  Contentment does not require a large bank account, awesome gadgets or perfect relationships.  We all know rich folks who are discontent and we know financially poor folks who live at peace.  Contentment is not tied to lots of stuff, contentment is tied to resting (trusting) in the Lord.  When we rest in the Lord, trust Him, we live with our hands open, just like Andy’s quote reminds us.  Sure, when we do that some of “our” stuff may fly away, but an open hand also allows God’s good gifts to come our way as well. 

Being content is not easy, especially in our materialistic infatuated society, but it is essential to living victoriously and it is great gain for us when we come to a place of contentment.

I am reminded of a quote I heard about John Rockefeller.  They asked him, the richest man of his time, “How much money does it take to make one happy?”  His response, “just one more dollar.”  How sad.  While the world recognizes that quote as inspirational, I read that, and I hope you do as well, as a great travesty.  John Rockefeller was summarizing accurately the elusiveness of life without Christ.

Contrast Rockefeller’s quote with the apostle Paul.  A few verses before verse twelve he gave us the key to contentment.  Philippians 4:4-8

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Paul outlines for us a simple to understand, but hard to implement pathway to contentment.

1.    Trust God.

2.    Be Thankful.

3.    Pray about what worries you.

4.    Contemplate what is excellent and praiseworthy.

May you and I both work hard to live this way.