FIVE CONCRETE PILLARS FOR CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT

 

While he was a prisoner at Rome, awaiting the day of his execution for preaching the gospel of the grace of God, the Apostle Paul affirmed something which very few men can honestly affirm. He said, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." We all know what contentment is. It is satisfaction with and willing submission to the adorable providence of our God. We all know that all true believers should be content, always and in all things. Yet, very few people in this world know the joy and peace of contentment.

                Here are five things which, if God the Holy Spirit is pleased to establish them in our hearts, will surely give every believer contentment. To the extent that we are able to lay hold of these five things by faith and rest upon them, to that extent we will learn contentment.

 

1. THE PURPOSE OF GOD - All things that ever come to pass in this world, both great and small, both prosperous and adverse, both pleasing and painful, both good and evil, come to pass according to God's eternal, immutable, unalterable purpose. All things were sovereignly predestinated by our God in eternity for the certain accomplishment of the salvation and eternal good of his own elect. Learn this in your heart, and you will learn to be content "For of him, and through him, and to him are all things: to whom be glory forever" (Rom. 11:36).

2. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD - Everything in heaven, earth, and hell is sovereignly ruled, governed, and manipulated by God in infinite wisdom, according to his own holy purpose for the eternal, spiritual good of his people. Nothing in this universe breathes or moves without God's decree and God's direction. "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

3. THE POWER OF GOD - Our God is Almighty. He has purposed us good; and he has the power to accomplish his purpose. He cannot be frustrated or defeated. "He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" He is God. You can safely trust him.

4. THE PRESENCE OF GOD - "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5). Can you get a sense of this fact? If you are one of God's believing children, the omnipotent, eternal God is with you: "The Lord is at hand." That is to say, God is by your side: Surely, the presence of God with you should give your heart contentment at all times.

5. THE PROMISES OF GOD - Open the Book of God's promises, and find a rich source of contentment for your soul. To you who are in Christ Jesus, all the promises, those exceedingly great and precious promises of God, are yea and amen. He promises to guide you in the way you should go. He promises grace sufficient to meet every need. He promises to make a way of escape from every trial. He promises strength for every day. He promises grace and mercy to help in every time of need. He promises to bring all your affairs to a good end. He promises eternal glory to those who trust him. Trust him then, and be content!