The Freedom of Contentment

There’s an interesting satisfaction and flexibility in being content with one’s own life. Wherever we may find ourselves in terms of our relationships, finances, careers, health, etc., embracing being content in God’s care, we are able to experience freedom. This freedom can eliminate the pressure we may feel to perform by the standards of others and allows us room to relax and trust God’s will to manifest in our lives. Knowing and depending upon what God says to us in the Bible regarding this matter is of utmost importance and help.

I define being content as choosing to stay optimistic and hopeful in whatever circumstances we face. Whether trials and tribulations or joys and triumphs, we choose happiness and trusting God over self-pity or bitterness. We realize that as we offer our bodies as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1), we can expect nothing less than God’s best for us.

In Philippians 4:11-13 the Apostle Paul shared that he’d learned that in whatever state he was, to be content:  “… I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He also reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:6 that “… godliness with contentment is great gain.” What’s key here for me is knowing our ability to endure, succeed, or accomplish anything comes from Christ who strengthens us. Isn’t it a blessing that we don’t have to do it alone?

So, when we’re face with the hard places of life or the ecstatic places of joy and abundance, we can rest in knowing that God favors and loves us as His own. We have the freedom of contentment because we have the promises of God for our lives. The Bible describes them as “exceedingly great and precious” in 2 Peter 1:4. Hence, why would we not embrace the freedom this affords us? When we’re faced with fear and doubt, we can remember Psalm 118:5, ““Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” Remember, the Lord is our Shepherd! It is good to be content.