Contentment # 1

Contentment # 1

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13).

Man is a poor discontented creature. He is never satisfied for long. Whatever he has - he wants something he has not. And if he had all that he could desire - he would rack his mind to find out something to wish for, and be dissatisfied about. Sin is the source of all dissatisfaction - the parent of all discontent.

But if lost sinners are discontented - believers ought not to be. They are commanded to be content with such things as they have. They are exhorted, having food and clothing, therewith to be content. But, alas! many Christians know but little of real contentment. Now, if I can pen a few lines, which with God's blessing, would produce or increase contentment in my own heart, and the hearts of a few of my fellow believers - I shall do good. Let me then look up to the Lord, and beseech Him to give me grace, to enable me to do so, to the praise and glory of His holy name.

Fellow traveler to Zion, are you contented with the lot your God has cast for you? Or, are you complaining, sighing, and uselessly wishing for a change? If the latter - then stop complaining and listen for a few moments to me.

Consider what God is to you. Is He not your God in Jesus? Is He not your Heavenly Father? Does He not love you w ith an everlasting love? Has He not ordained and arranged all your affairs for you in His infinite wisdom? Has he not also assured you, that all things work together for your good? And under such circumstances - must it not be wicked to complain, repine, or be discontented?

Then, consider what Christ has done for you. Has He not put away your sins, by the sacrifice of Himself? Has He not provided you with a glorious, an everlasting righteousness? Has He not promised to be with you always, even unto the end? Is He not now pleading for you in Heaven, and preparing a place for you in His Father's house? Has He not also given you His Word, that he will come again, and receive you unto Himself, that where He is, there you may be also? Is this the case - and you are discontented? O for shame!

Consider what eternity will be to you. Eternity, a state of endless existence, what will it be to the believer? It will be light - without darkness; joy - without sorrow; health - without sickness; pleasure - without pain; triumphs - without trials; and life - without death.

In eternity you will receive all that you desire, enjoy all that you can wish, be where you will be perfectly happy, and possess all that your God can give.

Set then eternity - against time, the future - against the present, and blush if you feel the least dissatisfaction with your lot.

Consider the providence that watches over you. Providence is God's eye fixed upon you, God's mind devising for you, God's heart sympathizing with you, God's hand supplying you, God's arm placed beneath you.

You are the especial care, of a special and particular providence, which numbers the very hairs of your head, watches every step you take, and will overrule everything for your eternal welfare.

Child of providence, child of the God of providence - be content!

Consider the design which God has, in trying you. It is to prevent your falling into the evils produced by fullness of bread, or uninterrupted prosperity. It is to produce humility, or faith, or some other grace - which will adorn your character, count on your future histgory, and bring honor to His dear name. God's design in every pain or privation, in every trial and trouble, in every loss and cross - is worthy of Himself.

All flows from divine love.

All is directed by infinite wisdom.

All is designed for your good.

Ought you not then to be thankful!

Consider the consequences of prosperity to many. How it feeds their pride, inflates them with vanity, and binds them to the present world.

In the closet, they are lifeless; in the sanctuary uninterested; in Christian society, uncomfortable; and when thinking of death, unhappy.

They have little spirituality, little gratitude to God, and but little comfort in their own souls.

~James Smith~

(continued with # 2)