To Make You Content

Michael E. Wood

May 12, 2015

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 

1 Timothy 6:6-8

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

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 him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

It’s pretty amazing how we can think we are content until something as simple as the telephone lines going down for a couple of days not only impacts our use of the phone but also access to the internet and makes us realize how dependent we have become on technology in our current culture in the western world. For some this could apply to their use of cell phones. For others perhaps it is access to your favorite television programs. The degree of stress could likewise be intensified if you have a business contingent on these services.

In no way am I advocating that we should sit back and do nothing to reconcile our situation, but what I am asking is how does something of this nature make us feel?  Do we find ourselves in a sense of despair, because we don’t know what to do with ourselves? Are we driven to make unwise decisions to rectify the situation?  How do we react to those with whom we are reliant for help in our particular situation?  Do we have the peace which passes understanding, the self control to take responsibility not only for our actions but for the manner in which we address others, and the joyful patience to wait on the Lord and find contentment in the present circumstances?

When the phone doesn’t work and the lines are all down

Then trust in the One in Whom grace doth abound.

And do what you can as you wait for repair,

Rejoice in the truth, staying not in despair.

Refocus on things which you have as gift

As the mercies in Christ will alone you uplift

To restore such a joy by His Spirit to take

A hold of His promise to never forsake

Or leave you adrift in this short little trial

But cause you to look on His face with a smile.

For nothing that’s good will He ever withhold

To make you content as a sheep of His fold.

For no earthly loss can come close to compare

With the glory awaiting His children to share.

So thank Him and praise Him in all things below

And give Him the glory, Who has you in tow,

Unfolding the way as you cast every care

Upon Him who promised your burdens to bear.