“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:11b-12
Contentment is a crazy concept. I think it’s one of those things everyone is searching for, but very few actually find. Take skiers and snowboarders. We are RARELY content in our riding, the tricks we know, the lines we’ve ridden. No matter how many pow days we’ve had or tricks we’ve stomped, we always want just one more or one better. Just one more trick in our arsenal and then we’ll be happy. Then we’ll be content.
This is a universal struggle for people. We need something to strive for, we feel the need to prove ourselves, and we always want more money, friends, “likes”, popularity, workplace prestige, etc.
When was the last time you sat in silence before the Lord, inhaling and exhaling His peace? “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you” (John 14:27). Jesus was a pretty peaceful, peace-filled dude, and He gives us HIS peace to help us chill out in this crazy, hectic world. This is something REAL we can seek. His peace, through His spirit, can be our peace and rest for our souls.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find REST FOR YOUR SOULS” (Matthew 11:28-29, paraphrased).
Our fearless (or God-fear-filled) leader, Josh Stock, recently finished up his sabbatical, and a concept that seems to have stuck with him is the idea, “The Father leads us to life-giving water” (Psalms 1 & 23). How awesome! God leads us beside quiet waters, refreshes our souls, plants us next to streams of life-giving waters so that we may bear fruit. Life gets crazy, especially in the midst of a busy winter season. Don’t forget to slow down once in a while to sit beside that quiet stream to be filled with the peace of Jesus.
True contentment can only be found when we stop looking at ourselves with our own fallen eyes, and we understand how God has come to view us after Jesus redeemed us. We no longer have anything to prove. It doesn’t matter how many tricks we know. Our “cool” becomes less and less important. Jesus is finally enough.
Challenge
What is an area of your life that you don’t feel content with? Devote some time this week to pray about it and ask God to meet you in the struggle. Chances are it’s deeper than the initial discontentment.
Do you ever feel the itch to “prove yourself”? Whether it be name-dropping, stomping a trick in front of someone, or finding a way to fit in that “cool thing” about yourself in a conversation? I know I do! Be real with God about this, He understands. Seek out the root of the issue, and learn to laugh at yourself!
Devote (at LEAST) 10 minutes every day this week to sit in SILENCE with the Lord. Clear your mind and just LISTEN. Maybe God will put something on your heart, maybe He will just appreciate the time sitting together in silence. Either way, you win.
By Dylan Kobriger | Vail, Colorado