While he was a prisoner at
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.
2. THE
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!