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Choosing Contentment


Background:

Contentment is the state of being satisfied with what we have.  In reality, the more we have, the more we want. We are constantly looking for the next upgrade despite being the most sufficient generation of all time. It is a universal problem. Companies spent billions in advertising to cater for the discontentment, that only in getting their product that we can be satisfied. This include new cars, the new face, the new drink, etc. 

Scripture: Psalm 62:1-12 by King David. 

The psalm talk about finding rest in God for Her is our fortress and that power belongs to God and that He will reward everyone according to what they have done. 

In order to find contentment in God:

1. Look to God instead of our circumstances 

King David is being torn down by his enemies but finds contentment in God. In the same way, Paul also learnt contentment when he writes to the Phillipians from prison. Note: the word is contentment and not happiness.  Happiness says situation is great and I fell good. Contentment says that situation is bad, but God is enough. Being content is a matter of choice and needs to be learnt.  

When we face something bad, we hear 2 things: 
1. Things will get better and there is light at the end of the tunnel. 
2. Things could be worse so we are still OK
But that is wrong because we are still comparing. Contentment is to stop focusing on the situation but to put our trust in God. 

Paul writes in Phil 4 that he can do anything because God strengthens him. However, the right context is that he can find contentment in all (bad) circumstances.

2. Trust in God instead of our plans

Many of us have 5, 10-year or 20-year strategies.  We feel that we can achieve contentment if our plans succeed, that we are set in life. In Psalm 62, David says that both the poor and rich are but a breath, that they are nothing. He also says that we should not set our heart in our riches, because circumstances can change, plans can fail. 

Paul also wrote that true gain is not in wealth but living a life that pleases God, that Godliness with contentment is great gain. God promises us something better than wealth, he promises us life. 

Conclusion:  We have 2 choices - to put our trust in circumstances or choose to put our trust in God. The latter is the correct choice as we were never made to find satisfaction in material things...we are made to find contentment in a relationship with God. 
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