Biblical Manhood - Contentment

[Rigatoni]

Contentment

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I believe that learning to be content in all situations and conditions is paramount to being God's man. This mindset allows us to have a measure of joy and peace no matter what we face. It also helps protect us from potential consequences and dangers that comes from pursuing false idols or other sins to try to fill that emptiness, as well as closes the door to satan and temptation in general.

In my own experience, I've found that having hobbies and passions to focus on, rather than focusing on lack, helps tremendously. Focusing on developing godly character and God's mercy / forgiveness, rather than looking inward all the time on faults and mistakes, helps. Spending time with loved ones and friends is an excellent antidote to loneliness, rather than chasing potential relationships or seeking satisfaction in a partner (which doesn't work). It's hard to feel empty when you're getting out and enjoying being with those who care about you.

Ultimately however, I believe that faith and staying in scripture are the best ways to find true contentment. Staying in the Word over time helps us to reshape our perspective and mindset, and is a delight to the soul - since Jesus Himself is our delight and is the Word made flesh. There is a spiritual component to it. Knowing how much we are loved and resting in God's promises of provision and protection also help us not to worry. It's hard to be depressed when you realize the extent of God's unfathomable, ridiculous love for you and each and every one of us. It changes you.

• Are you able to find genuine contentment in all situations, including your current one?
• How do you believe true contentment and satisfaction are achieved?
• Why do you think it's important to learn to be content despite fluctuations in circumstance?

 

[TheWhat?]

Isaiah has something interesting to say on that

[Isa 38:16-17 NKJV] 16 O Lord, by these [things men] live; And in all these [things is] the life of my spirit; So You will restore me and make me live. 17 Indeed [it was] for [my own] peace [That] I had great bitterness; But You have lovingly [delivered] my soul from the pit of corruption, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.

 

[com7fy8]

Are you able to find genuine contentment in all situations, including your current one?

Yes . . . especially now, if we have been growing in Jesus; because God keeps giving "increase" . . . constantly improving on how we can share with Him and dearly love others in God's family, while also enjoying loving any and all people. Being able to love is so special . . . and always there is someone to be busy loving

Content > it is very satisfying to be loving, and appreciate God who has us succeeding in this.

God "gives the increase" > in 1 Corinthians 3:7. God keeps us growing in Jesus. So, even in our old age we keep getting better in His love life . . . eternal love life in us. So, in our present and oldest time on this earth we are guaranteed the best of love sharing with God, ever, and with one another in Jesus, while still caring for others. Because this love is all-loving >

"if you love those who love you, what reward have you?" Jesus says in Matthew 5:46. So, if we have not been picking and choosing who is good enough for us to love and worth loving, we have the contentment of a good conscience of knowing we are loving the way Jesus really desires.

So, expect no less. Because this is about how God is able.

How do you believe true contentment and satisfaction are achieved?

God cures our character, in His love.

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5)

This is love in the Holy Spirit, our Apostle Paul does say. And the Holy Spirit is Heaven's Spirit . . . of Heaven's own love, having Heaven's quality of beauty and goodness and kindness caressing us deeply with "rest for your souls" (in Matthew 5:46), sharing caring warmly daring . . . almighty love which can't be hurt >

"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?" (1 Peter 3:13)

So, this is love having Heavenly beauty and Heaven's safety, in us, so we can be heavenly while being of earthly good . . . in our Creator's love sharing His creativity with us for loving each and every person. This is contenting, to enjoy this in sharing with our Father and one another.

So, isolating oneself with lusts and with pride and unforgiveness brings the opposite, with weakness to give in to pain and frustration. So, it is very contenting to be "free indeed" (John 8:36) with Jesus, and not struggling in our own free wills, but snuggling . . . as is "possible with God" (Luke 18:27).

Why do you think it's important to learn to be content despite fluctuations in circumstance?

Among other things > if we are deeply stable so things around us can not have power over us . . . we can not be controlled by things around us. And this means we can not be emotionally controlled by evil people who might control the money or the honey or whatever >

"I will not be brought under the power of any," our Apostle Paul does say, in 1 Corinthians 6:12. And 2 Corinthians 6:12 says,

"You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections." (2 Corinthians 6:12)

So, there are things which become a problem for us, if we desire those inferior or even obviously evil things. And if we do this, we can become not satisfied . . . not "content with such things as you have" (in Hebrews 13:5). But if we are with God in His love, we are growing in this perfect satisfaction in sharing with Him . . . while being pleasing to Him, satisfying God, even >

"rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4)

So, in God's love gentle and quiet in spirit, we are satisfied plus pleasing and contenting and satisfying God, so God can enjoy being at home in us. How wonderful ! ! ! So, "we who first trusted in Christ" (Ephesians 1:12) now do well to keep trusting Jesus for all which is possible in sharing with God

"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:16-17)

I note how Paul here says that if people "desire" being rich, they have a major problem. He does not say being rich is a problem, but just having the desire is all it takes to get someone into such trouble and pain and loss. Instead, be content with God, and discover how He makes us creative in sharing with Him.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

How much is this worth? . . . to be with God in His own peace ruling us in our "hearts" . . . to be personally guided by our Father while we stay submissive to Him in this peace . . . to have this peace of God almighty sharing His almighty power with us to keep our minds stable and our hearts safe. This is part of our reward now for obeying how God means to be content

God now is our reward contenting us while we obey Him.

 

[bèlla]

Contentment was never a struggle. I grew up with a lot of love and my family was always supportive. Even when we disagreed. ‘La famille est tout’ was birthed in their presence. They taught me the meaning of gratitude and togetherness. Seeds of true contentment.

They never complained or envied what another had. They’re immensely generous and saw the unit as one. Well beyond immediate relations. They taught me how to thrive in all seasons and circumstances with dignity. It made me strong.

Contentment is woven in my character. I had it in my waywardness and my return to Him. I’m not a worrier or one to dwell on mistakes or negative outcomes. Nor do I look to people for a sense of purpose or my happiness.

If I have to, I can do without. My needs are simple. I’m not afraid to walk alone. Sometimes I prefer it. I suspect that’s the secret sauce.

I didn’t cry when I was friendless or companionless. Nor did I complain. I kept going.

~bella

 

[GospelS]

Isaiah has something interesting to say on that

[Isa 38:16-17 NKJV] 16 O Lord, by these [things men] live; And in all these [things is] the life of my spirit; So You will restore me and make me live. 17 Indeed [it was] for [my own] peace [That] I had great bitterness; But You have lovingly [delivered] my soul from the pit of corruption, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.

Amen. David sings something very similar in one of his Psalms.

Christ is mine and I'm His. What can man do to me? That's my contentment. Psalm 118.