Contentment

I started my day with a masked trip to the grocery store. In typical Colorado fashion, a spring storm is expected to blow in later and I wanted to beat the snow home. Admittedly, I also wanted to put off writing this post. Considering my own contentment leaves me feeling uncomfortable. It’s not a buttoned-up lesson for me. If anything, it’s quite the opposite. I’m still very much in the trenches on this one. Yet here we are. I suppose we can learn and grow together.

This slowed and simplified season has left me fully aware of just how many ‘ands’ I add to my contentment. What makes me content? Jesus…….and the completion of a house project. Jesus……and a fun girls’ night. Jesus……and a lavish dinner out with Brett. Jesus……and a new pair of shoes. Jesus……and a relaxing vacation. Jesus……and a pat on the back. Jesus……and well-behaved kids. My time at home has stripped me of many ‘ands’. And I’m seeing how restless I am without all the extras. I rely on a lot of fraudulent suppliers for my contentment.

One of God’s sweet mercies is allowing us to delight. He created a world of color, delicious food, beauty, artistry, craftsmanship, order, and community. And I believe He loves for us to find delight in these things. But our contentment, our purpose, our highest form of praise should be reserved for God alone. This is not always the case for me. But, I’m grateful for the gentle turning of my face back towards Jesus. There is space here for an adjustment. And God doesn’t leave me alone to figure it out. He’s led me to write about it for anyone to see, for goodness sake!

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

I Timothy 6:6-7

And the verse we all know from Philippians 4? “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” It’s preceded by some good words on contentment.

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

My prayer for all of us, regardless of where we find ourselves relating to this topic, is for us to find contentment alone in Jesus. Whether we are in a season of plenty or hunger, of abundance or need, of sickness or health, of security or joblessness, of companionship or loneliness, of disruption or peace, our one certain confidence remains in Jesus. Friends, he is our only guarantee.

Lovingly,

Kate