Peaceful No Matter WhatSample

Seek Filling from the Source

Earlier in the week, I talked about how amazing it would be if our contentment were not dependent on our circumstances.

So often, we think that if we just had more money, sex, or thrills in our lives, we would be more content. In fact, we can believe that having those things is the only way to be content, and without them, we will never be content.

So we pursue those things with all our energy, hoping to somehow grasp satisfaction and contentment. In fact, most of our lives can be spent chasing the things that we think will ensure that peace. And when they don’t, we just keep chasing, even though those things were never meant to bring us complete contentment.

But what if our contentment was not dependent on any of those things? What if we could be content all the time? What kind of energy would that free up? What kind of enjoyment would we have in this life?

The apostle Paul talks about this very thing.

He said he had “…found the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12 NIV)!

What is that secret?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

Paul wrote this while he was in a Roman prison. Obviously, this deep contentment had nothing to do with his current circumstances. His contentment was entirely in Christ Jesus.

Jesus is the source of contentment for every man.

The Psalmist writes, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 NIV)

And, “Praise the Lord, my soul…who satisfies your desires with good things” (Psalm 103:1; Psalm 103:5 NIV).

Make your pursuit of Christ first and foremost in your life, and you will find contentment there.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You know of my seemingly insatiable desire for things other than You to bring me contentment. They can become the sole focus of my life. Forgive me for my idolatry. Help me to find my fullest contentment in You. You promised that You would satisfy my desires with good things. Help me to trust in You and You alone as the source of my contentment. Amen.

Reflection: Where are you hoping to find contentment these days? What are the things that you think you need to finally be satisfied? Take some time to talk with Jesus about those things. Are you chasing something that will never really satisfy?