But real life isn't that simple, is it?
This is no fairy tale. There's no use in pretending. Life is difficult. Here in the "real world," we can't find that kind of endless happy bliss, can we? Well, yes and no. Someday, in heaven, we'll know that perfect peace and happiness. But as long as we're on this earth, and until we reach eternity's shore, we'll never experience perfect happiness until we finally see Jesus face to face. But that doesn't mean we can't be joyful here on earth. In fact, the Bible has a lot to teach us about finding true contentment and joy.
In 2012, I began the journey of memorizing the book of Philippians. Through my personal study, I've been so challenged and convicted, particularly about what this book has to say about contentment.
I'm especially moved by Philippians 4:11-13. Keep in mind that the Apostle Paul was writing this during his long and harsh imprisonment in Rome:
"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Paul was in prison when he wrote that! What I find interesting is that Paul writes that he learned to be content. His contentment clearly wasn't found in the things he had or the comfort of his surroundings.
So what is contentment? I realize that contentment isn't a formula, but from digging deeper in God's Word, I've made a list of five things that I think capture what it means to be content. Real contentment means...
1. Trusting that God knows what is best for us.
2. Accepting the obstacles as opportunities to serve and glorify God.
3. Finding joy in the presence of our Savior, no matter our circumstances.
4. Choosing to live with an attitude of cheerfulness and joy each day.
5. Thanking God for both the blessings and the trials.
Let's take a closer look at each of these.
Contentment means trusting that God knows what is best for us. His plans are better than ours. Where He has you right now is where He wants you to be. God loves you dearly and He has your best interests in mind. He knows your every need and desire.
Philippians 4:19 - "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Contentment means accepting the obstacles as opportunities to serve and glorify God. So many times, we let things - even little things - get us down. We complain and grumble when things don't go our way.
Philippians 2:14 says - "Do all things without grumbling or disputing."
All things. Yes, even dishes, chores, homework, all those unglamorous, small tasks that no one sees should be done without complaining or arguing, but with gratefulness and joy. What a God-glorifying lifestyle that would be! And what a humbling challenge...
Whether the obstacles we face are as small as doing the dishes or as enormous as the pain of a searing loss, God calls us to face all things without grumbling. We must learn to see the obstacles as opportunities in disguise.
Contentment means finding joy in the presence of our Savior, no matter our circumstances. JESUS IS OUR JOY. We can only find true joy and contentment in Him, the Author of Peace and Creator of Joy.
I love Psalm 16:11 - "You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore."
True joy and contentment are only found in the source of joy, our ever-present Savior Jesus Christ. No matter what challenges I face, even if everything else is taken from me, I'll still have Jesus, and He is enough. He is more than enough.
Contentment means choosing to live with an attitude of cheerfulness and joy each day. Joy is a choice. It's a lifestyle. Joy and happiness are two very different things. Happiness is a feeling based on circumstances; joy is living above our circumstances. Joy isn't dependent upon our current situation. We have to learn to consciously choose joy every day. Have you ever noticed that many people in the Bible often said, "I will rejoice"? They said that because they realized that they had to consciously choose to rejoice even when their circumstances looked bad.
And finally, contentment means thanking God - for both the blessings and the trials. It's not hard to delight in God's goodness and praise Him when life is entertaining and easy. But what about when we face the hardships of life? I think we all want a lasting, unwavering joy, not just surging and sinking happiness. The secret to contentment is a heart saturated with thankfulness. It's a lifestyle of taking nothing for granted, giving thanks to God for what you have.
Every day is a gift....and an opportunity. Let's choose to rejoice in each new day.
Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Let's not waste this day grumbling or complaining. Let's not take a moment for granted. Today, let's trust in God's plan, embrace the challenges, find joy in His love for us, and choose to live this day with an attitude of cheerfulness and thanksgiving.
Life isn't easy, and it's not a fairy tale. But the truth is, we can all live joyfully ever after.
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