Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[we can carry nothing out. 1 Tim. 6:6-7
Contentment is such a big word. What does it really mean?
Contentment in the Bible:
- a state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter (Rom. 5:2).
I know these are a many scriptures to read but I am so glad we can find in a dictionary the biblical explanation of contentment.
In my life, I have moved a lot. For different reason. Often we have never lived more than 6-12 month in one place. I have stopped counting, but well pass 20 times. And it became somewhat normal to be "on the move " so to speak. Yes, inside of me, somewhere, I always wanted to settle down and have the "white picket fence". Then along the way, I recognized that I am really a bit of a traveler at heart. Always open for a new adventure. Having children will bring this to a screeching halt. And so I did settle at least around one town for more than 10 year, which enables my children to finish school.
Having this inner longing to constantly move is not something to desire. A lot had to do with the trauma in my childhood. I cannot remember even understanding what contentment was.
As I mentioned in previous blogs, God heals us and sets us free in layers, meaning: He takes one issue to deal with at the time. And most issues in our life are connected. After shedding layers and layers, I started learning what real contentment is all about. Is it definitely is the absence of fear and pride. Our contentment comes from knowing God. Knowing that we can trust Him in all areas of our lives. Knowing that He has the very best on His mind for us. Then we can take a deep breath every day and let Him be the captain of our ships.....sailing into the sunset and being in awe of Him.
A state of contentment does not mean that one should not have any expectations. Expectations are the fuel by which faith can be propelled to achieve the desires God puts into our heart, before we have even been born. Expectations are necessary to have a vision and motivation. The problems arise when expectations are on our terms, propelling our will instead the will of God for us.
After the fall of Adam and Eve, humans are able to display good and evil. I can only imagine how content they must have been before rebelling toward God. How much peace and joy they have lost, only to believe the lies of satan.
At this time, my life is giving me a glimpse of eternal contentment. Every day, when I spend time with my Father, I walk away feeling content, joyful and peaceful. These are the treasures we are to look for in our daily life. It is the law of attraction that says: If I am a well rounded being, I become attractive to others.....and in return they want what I have. JESUS!
My prayer today is for all of us to find contentment in Christ. Father, grant us the desires of our heart, the ones You have planted. Help us to be content, peaceful and joyful in Your son's name. AMEN
Ade and farewell until next time.
I know these are a many scriptures to read but I am so glad we can find in a dictionary the biblical explanation of contentment.
In my life, I have moved a lot. For different reason. Often we have never lived more than 6-12 month in one place. I have stopped counting, but well pass 20 times. And it became somewhat normal to be "on the move " so to speak. Yes, inside of me, somewhere, I always wanted to settle down and have the "white picket fence". Then along the way, I recognized that I am really a bit of a traveler at heart. Always open for a new adventure. Having children will bring this to a screeching halt. And so I did settle at least around one town for more than 10 year, which enables my children to finish school.
Having this inner longing to constantly move is not something to desire. A lot had to do with the trauma in my childhood. I cannot remember even understanding what contentment was.
As I mentioned in previous blogs, God heals us and sets us free in layers, meaning: He takes one issue to deal with at the time. And most issues in our life are connected. After shedding layers and layers, I started learning what real contentment is all about. Is it definitely is the absence of fear and pride. Our contentment comes from knowing God. Knowing that we can trust Him in all areas of our lives. Knowing that He has the very best on His mind for us. Then we can take a deep breath every day and let Him be the captain of our ships.....sailing into the sunset and being in awe of Him.
A state of contentment does not mean that one should not have any expectations. Expectations are the fuel by which faith can be propelled to achieve the desires God puts into our heart, before we have even been born. Expectations are necessary to have a vision and motivation. The problems arise when expectations are on our terms, propelling our will instead the will of God for us.
After the fall of Adam and Eve, humans are able to display good and evil. I can only imagine how content they must have been before rebelling toward God. How much peace and joy they have lost, only to believe the lies of satan.
At this time, my life is giving me a glimpse of eternal contentment. Every day, when I spend time with my Father, I walk away feeling content, joyful and peaceful. These are the treasures we are to look for in our daily life. It is the law of attraction that says: If I am a well rounded being, I become attractive to others.....and in return they want what I have. JESUS!
My prayer today is for all of us to find contentment in Christ. Father, grant us the desires of our heart, the ones You have planted. Help us to be content, peaceful and joyful in Your son's name. AMEN
Ade and farewell until next time.
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