Contentment

In a world where there is a vast show of wealth, fame and abilities, there are great tendencies for one to be full of covetousness, envy, jealousy, frustration and worries. These tendencies do not exempt believers. However, God's word has a prescription for us that provides a way out of this predicament.

Do you feel you are lagging behind? "Others have achieved this or that, but I have not," you may say. Although you are making progress in your own space, yet you feel like your wins are not worth celebrating because you have not attained the level of success others have achieved. Because of this, are you beginning to think less of yourself and God's grace upon your life?

There's a pill the word of God prescribed for this. It is CONTENTMENT.

1 Timothy 6:6-7

[6]But godliness with contentment is great gain.

[7]For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

When we hear the word "contentment",  some may think that it has something to do with "settling for less". No, it does not. You may decide to push your efforts much more to attain a higher level of success in your career, business or family. That's totally fine. God is interested in our diligence and He rewards it too (Proverbs 22:29). However, we must not run the rat's race that will only focus on the struggling and hustling while leaving out the most important thing which is God's blessing. The bible says God's blessings adds no sorrow (Proverbs 10.22).

Your hustling must not leave the confines of God's plan and purpose specially for you. It must not be sponsored by the effort to compete with others or pattern after another man's track. When sponsored by competition, covetousness, envy and jealousy, it only leads to frustration, depression and even destruction.

Always remember this scripture;

John 3:27

[27].... A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Does it imply that God gives some people the best and leaves some other people out? Definitely, no. It means that God has the design for everyone's life. He knows his special plan for you which may in no way be similar to another's. He wants us to trust him for our lives and for every step.

Hebrews 13:5

[5]Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

What should our response be?

• Celebrate your wins

No matter how little you have achieved today, rejoice in your progress.

• Be full of thanksgiving

Give no room for bitterness. Express gratitude!

Philippians 4:6-7

[6]Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

When the people praise God, the earth yields her increase.

Psalms 67:5-6

[5]Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

[6]Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

• Put in your human best

This may involve working on yourself, sharpening your skills and potentials, enrolling for relevant courses or training, studying well and so on. In short, become the best version of yourself!

• Invest in prayer and God's Word.

Give diligent attention to God's Word and prayer. God's Word sharpens your insight to God's plan for your life. In communion with God through His Word and prayer, you get to understand God's purpose for your existence. It will help you get a clearer direction on the steps to take.

Matthew 6:33

[33]But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

• Trust God completely.

After you have done all that can be done as a human. All that is left to do is to REST.

Matthew 6:26

[26]Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Prayer:

Dear Father,

Thank you for everything that I have, because you have given me. Thank you for who I am, because you have made me. I acknowledge and appreciate your promises to never leave me nor forsake me. In times when I feel abandoned and neglected, help me to trust in  your unfailing love. Help me to find contentment in you alone, not in the abundance of possessions and worldly gains. Guide me through life. Help me to live in total surrender to your will for me and in constant reminder of your love and grace in Jesus' name. Amen.

Philippians 4:7

[7]And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Your friend,

Abosede Akinkuowo