A Dirty Word
“Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”— Benjamin Franklin
For whatever reason, the word “contentment” has become a dirty word. There are hardly any positive thoughts that come to mind when I think about it. It seems to cut against the “American Dream” and, in all honesty, can come across as lazy. Yet Paul, in his writings, gives us a very different view of the word. In fact, Paul would argue that contentment is the key to peace.
It’s interesting that I see Philippians 4:13 tattooed on so many people, and yet the context of the verse is not about having the power to do anything, but rather the power to live contently in any situation. That puts it in a little different perspective, doesn’t it?
One revelation that would change all of our lives is this: our Heavenly Father is good, and He desires to take good care of His children. That care may not always give me what I want, but it will always give me what I need.
At times, I’ve really battled stress and worry. I’ll step out in faith and yet white-knuckle it from there on in. I’ve laughed nervously with Lauren, saying that I will obey God but will anxiously try to control things afterward.
In this season, I’ve had to stay committed to doing the work of identity, continually going back, day after day, to remember that “I am His son, whom He loves, and with whom He is well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) Truly working on my identity means allowing the truth of those verses to sink deep into the crevices of my heart.
In this past season, I’ve realized that too often I would grab hold of truth and move on from it too quickly. I’ve learned that head knowledge and heart knowledge are very different. Repentance isn’t just thinking differently; it’s believing differently. Contentment doesn’t come from a changed mind; it comes from a changed heart.
If you want to truly learn what it means to be content, it will require real work, but let me testify that the work is worth it.
In the end, I’m still growing, still learning, and still being changed into His image. It will be this way until I see Him face to face. Until then, we do the work.
Prayer | Father, thank You for teaching us the beauty of true contentment. Help us rest in Your goodness and trust that You will provide everything we need. When worry or striving try to take over, remind us that peace is found not in control, but in surrender. Transform our hearts to reflect Your image and teach us to be satisfied in You alone.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For whatever reason, the word “contentment” has become a dirty word. There are hardly any positive thoughts that come to mind when I think about it. It seems to cut against the “American Dream” and, in all honesty, can come across as lazy. Yet Paul, in his writings, gives us a very different view of the word. In fact, Paul would argue that contentment is the key to peace.
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:11–13 (NLT)
It’s interesting that I see Philippians 4:13 tattooed on so many people, and yet the context of the verse is not about having the power to do anything, but rather the power to live contently in any situation. That puts it in a little different perspective, doesn’t it?
One revelation that would change all of our lives is this: our Heavenly Father is good, and He desires to take good care of His children. That care may not always give me what I want, but it will always give me what I need.
At times, I’ve really battled stress and worry. I’ll step out in faith and yet white-knuckle it from there on in. I’ve laughed nervously with Lauren, saying that I will obey God but will anxiously try to control things afterward.
In this season, I’ve had to stay committed to doing the work of identity, continually going back, day after day, to remember that “I am His son, whom He loves, and with whom He is well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) Truly working on my identity means allowing the truth of those verses to sink deep into the crevices of my heart.
In this past season, I’ve realized that too often I would grab hold of truth and move on from it too quickly. I’ve learned that head knowledge and heart knowledge are very different. Repentance isn’t just thinking differently; it’s believing differently. Contentment doesn’t come from a changed mind; it comes from a changed heart.
If you want to truly learn what it means to be content, it will require real work, but let me testify that the work is worth it.
In the end, I’m still growing, still learning, and still being changed into His image. It will be this way until I see Him face to face. Until then, we do the work.
Prayer | Father, thank You for teaching us the beauty of true contentment. Help us rest in Your goodness and trust that You will provide everything we need. When worry or striving try to take over, remind us that peace is found not in control, but in surrender. Transform our hearts to reflect Your image and teach us to be satisfied in You alone.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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