Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Contentment

With Christmas now over, I thought it would be good to reflect on a few thoughts. Lin Yutang wrote, “The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.” While we were probably preoccupied with getting a lot of “stuff,” we need to remember to be content. Paul said, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).


In a bad economy, it is hard to be content and feel satisfaction. Solomon gave us insight into the endless quest for satisfaction. In Ecclesiastes 1:12-15, he investigated riches, pleasure, and possessions. In Ecclesiastes 2:13-16, he proclaimed that wisdom would not bring contentment. In Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 11, he found that there was no contentment in knowledge.


We buy all kinds of possessions and then lose interest in them quickly. Even all the presents we received will probably not last long. The better contentment will be found in God and in everything He can give. Psalm 107:9 says, “For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” True contentment will be found in the word of God. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). We can be strengthened in the fact of the knowledge of God. Enjoy the season, but remember that all of the material aspects of the season will not make you happy. Plautus said, “If you are content, you have enough to live comfortably.” Find your true strength and satisfaction in the right place, not the empty frivolities of life.


Kyle Campbell

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