|
Searching For Contentment
The peace of mind that passes all understanding is more than just a pleasant thought; it is a realistic possibility. But it is not, nor will it ever be, in the picture for most people. The purpose of this study is to substantially improve the picture for those who desire it enough to put in the time and effort required to achieve it.
Occasional peace of mind, bliss and contentment are not difficult to visualize for the quiet, out of the way, mountain top experience. But to be content continuously in every aspect of life, doesn’t seem possible for the real, fast forward life of stressful demands, emotional pain, and unrelenting pressure. But, not only is “Every State Contentment" possible, it’s Biblical. The prophet Isaiah addressed this when he said, “The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace.” (Isaiah 59:8)
All seek contentment but few find it, and, even though it is both possible and practical, many will never experience it at all. They will be caught up their entire lives in an environment of emotional pain and discontentment, with no relief except escape behaviors which only build greater and greater mountains of shame, guilt and fear. This is a human tragedy of epidemic proportions, surpassed only by the tragedy of those who believe that occasional contentment is the best they can hope for. “Every State Contentment” is not only a Biblical possibility, it is what God intended for mankind from the beginning, and which Jesus came to provide. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly.” (John 10:10)
The apostle Paul learned well from Jesus’ teachings and the concepts which were revealed to him by inspiration. Writing from a Roman prison near the end of his life, he made the almost unbelievable statement, “...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
(Philippians 4:11) Notice that Paul said that he had learned to be content. Such contentment is a learned process, but it is so rare, even with religious people, that it appears to be nonexistent.
“Every State Contentment” will not be achieved by going to bed at night wanting it and praying for it, then waking up the next morning with it. It is an opportunity which God offers to those who are willing to put in the time and effort required to achieve it. The concepts for learning to live a life of contentment are in the Bible, but there are very few who actually learn them. For us to settlefor a life of occasional contentment in the very church Jesus died for, and through which He offers each of us a life of abundance, should be unthnkable.
Is it possible to learn from the Bible to be content in every state of life, just like the apostle Paul? Absolutely! But it requires serious commitment, hard work, and continuing perseverance. It is not for those who want it without effort. It should come as no surprise that the first step in learning “Every State Contentment” is to believe that it is indeed possible. An interesting attribute of humanity is: “What the mind of man can conceive and believe, man can achieve.” The belief that it is possible to learn is a major step in accomplishing the goal of achieving “Every State Contentment.”
During His ministry Jesus encouraged us to, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) Learning from Jesus how to obtain “Every State Contentment” is a great accomplishment that fulfills an even greater need; it also provides rest for the soul. When Jesus said, “Learn from Me” He challenged all believers to study and use the methods and behaviors He used to accomplish His desired goals.
In any learning process there are steps to accomplish and skills to master. Learning “Every State Contentment” is no exception. If everything is not in place, learning can not and will not occur. This study will involve discovering causes and exploring effects. There will be facts to be believed, skills to be perfected, and knowledge to be gained. In addition, there will be instructions on how and when to apply the acquired skills in the light of the facts that relate to each situation. Learning to enjoy “Every State Contentment” requires a dedicated and concentrated effort. It is not easy, but it is possible and it gets easier as time goes on. There will be setbacks, skill levels will be challenged, facts and methods will need to be recalled until they are comfortable, reliable, and natural.
Eventually, the learning process will pay off. Old established thinking will be restructured. Familiar habits will be replaced with workable methods. Confidence in spiritual concepts will be strengthened, and, with God’s help, and by following the instructions found in the Bible, success will occur. “Every Sate Contentment” will grow into a daily lifestyle and an all new meaning will be added to Jesus’ statement,
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
|