Contentment. What even is contentment? Does our current culture “identify” with contentment in any way? We have words and phrases in use today like “tolerant” or “my truth.” Another focus is “our rights” or “being offended.” Yet I don’t see a “spirit of contentment” as a popular topic. How can we become content?
Maybe we view contentment as “settling” for something versus a complete filling of our spirit. Filling our “wants” does not fill the contentment bucket like “happiness” doesn’t fill the joy bucket. Is contentment thought of as just being ok? NO! Not according to Scripture. What is it to be content?
From a jail cell in the book of Philippians, Paul writes, “I have learned to be content in all circumstances in any and every situation.” He then adds a variety of circumstances between needful and plentiful, well-fed or hungry. Then he adds, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
This week I watched a podcast with amazing Bible teacher, Megan Fate Marshman, who was casting the possibility of walking into a room and not worrying or being consumed by what people think of you. She went on to say that it’s possible when you KNOW you are already loved so and KNOWN so much so that it fills you up to overflowing. She wasn’t speaking on contentment, but her description caused me to reflect on this passage. I believe THIS is contentment, I think this is what Paul was saying too, don’t you?
So here is the key. She went on to say that from the overflowing of that love from God, you can walk into any room for the rest of your life and ask the Lord, “Who needs to be seen?” instead of “Who sees me?” Can you imagine?
The holy focus of contentment consistently goes back to our relationship with Him. To be seen and loved by Him, and believing that this is so. How many days and years have I wrestled with this truth based on the circumstances I’m going through? Then justifying or shaming myself based on my “performance.” These thoughts — lies or truths — have the power to consume and create discontent. Striving and perfecting, or walking away in defeat, being angry at God or myself based on the circumstance or outcome. Does this happen to you?
There is freedom in contentment! It is possible and offered. Contentment without the choices of others, circumstances, needs, or the blessings of the day can be ours.
Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member