Contentment: The Missing Piece

Listen to the Audio

There is a place on the inside of us that can only be filled with God. Think of it like a missing piece of a puzzle and people go searching to fill that void with money, success, education, food, alcohol, drugs, sex, and even other people. Eventually these things can become gods and the thing that we seek the most. You could make more money, have a PHD, and relationships but as long as this piece is missing there will be a lack contentment and fulfillment. Once God has been restored to his right place he has no problem with adding money, success, and relationships to us but we must become content first because God is with us. 

An easy way to identify if this is happening is by looking for areas of life that make you want to pout, sulk, get frustrated, envious, etc? Here are some examples... Maybe you get upset because you want to make more money or have some thing(house, car, whatever) and haven't seen it yet. Or maybe you get upset because someone isn't living up to your expectations in a relationship. Maybe you get upset because you haven't seen some result you are hoping for yet. These are areas where we have probably tried to fill the void with something other than God. When God is at the center of it we can be content in all situations because he is with us. He wants to be the source of your contentment...Not some thing, result, or another person. Pulling on other people to make you happy puts them into a role they were never meant to fulfill. 

The apostle Paul went through some major issues in his life such as being stoned, shipwrecked, spending nights in the open sea, and being put in prison. In Philippians 4 he says to rejoice in all things and to only think on whatever is lovely, just, true, and of good report. Then in Philippians 4:11-13 he says...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Then in 1 Timothy 6:3-6 Paul says... Some people have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

Notice godliness must be paired with contentment in all circumstances. When you have these two together it leads to great gain. 

I am praying for you. 

Daniel

P.S. Our goal in the Abundant Life Blueprint is to make each other great. If you would like to partner with us and become part of our community you can learn more here.