The Therapy of Contentment

Are you at peace with what you have and life as it is? People can find it so hard to feel contented nowadays. We're all up against the forces of consumerism and media marketing that offers peace and joy -- only to find out that it cannot deliver. The onslaught of life's circumstances and relationship also contribute to the problem of gnawing dissatisfaction.

The apostle Paul tells Timothy of the therapy of contentment in Philippians 4: 10-13: "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation, I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

If we have Christ, we have enough ... even if we have very little! God ultimately supplies any physical, emotional, or spiritual needs we have. If something is withheld by Him from us, it's for our own good. Of course, it's fun and not wrong in itself to get earthly stuff to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). But let's make sure it doesn't replace Jesus as our true source of joy and satisfaction.