Contentment: God's Promises should Lead To
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Contentment is a state of satisfaction and peace, rooted in trust and reliance on God's promises. It is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Christian faith, as it reflects a heart that is aligned with God's will and confident in His provision.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently addresses the concept of contentment, urging believers to find their satisfaction in God rather than in worldly possessions or circumstances. In Philippians 4:11-13, the Apostle Paul writes, "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . Here, Paul emphasizes that contentment is learned and is possible through the strength provided by Christ.

God's Promises and Contentment

1. Provision: One of the key promises of God that leads to contentment is His assurance of provision. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus instructs, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" . This promise encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God, trusting that He will meet their needs.

2. Presence: God's promise of His continual presence is another foundation for contentment. Hebrews 13:5 states, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'" . The assurance of God's unending presence provides a deep sense of security and peace, enabling believers to remain content regardless of their material circumstances.

3. Peace: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, is a promise that fosters contentment. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This peace acts as a guard over the believer's heart, allowing them to remain content even in the face of life's challenges.

Practical Implications

Contentment, as a response to God's promises, manifests in various practical ways in the life of a believer. It involves a conscious decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances are less than ideal. This trust is reflected in a lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual growth and eternal values over temporal gains.

Moreover, contentment leads to a spirit of gratitude and generosity. Recognizing that all good gifts come from God, believers are encouraged to share their blessings with others, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-8: "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these" .

Challenges to Contentment

Despite the clear biblical teaching on contentment, believers often face challenges in cultivating this virtue. The pervasive materialism and consumerism in society can lead to a constant desire for more, undermining the contentment that God desires for His people. Additionally, personal trials and suffering can test one's ability to remain content, making it essential to continually rely on God's promises and strength.

In summary, contentment is a profound expression of faith in God's promises. It is cultivated through a deep relationship with God, a reliance on His provision, presence, and peace, and a commitment to living a life that reflects His eternal values.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth.
... 7. Contentment with the mere preparatives to the heavenly life ... with life and power,
from the promises of the ... with this heavenly life, the Spirit of God must be ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xii directions how to.htm

Waiting Only Upon God
... shall be added to you, "Godliness with contentment is great ... this I know, I had rather
have God for my ... Surely, he never fails to honor his promises; and when we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/waiting only upon god.htm

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... Contentment."17. ... Your faith will act on the being of God, his perfections, his
providences his precepts, his threatenings, and his promises. ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
... a point, so we should be able to quote the promises of God ... us in Scripture, it is
that the children of God cannot perish. ... 1. One of the first is contentment. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/never never never never never.htm

Sparrows and Altars
... So let us lay to heart the sure promises, the blessed ... between the restlessness of
humanity and the reposeful contentment of those ... Let us take God for our Hope. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sparrows and altars.htm

Under his Shadow.
... to dwellers, not to visitors, that the Lord promises His protection ... grasp of Christ,
a rest of contentment with Him ... May God the Holy Ghost lead you into it, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/under his shadow.htm

The Bequest of Peace.
... He, therefore, who promises to give peace promises to give ... Him and broken up His
serene contentment; no danger ... they stifle by the imagination that God is too ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xi the bequest of peace.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... Eternity is a flower of his crown. Now, if God be our God, there is enough to let
full contentment into our souls. ... God has made promises to his people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
... dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. ... all conditions, yet
could never find full contentment. ... If, says God, the sinner bless himself in ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/2 there is a blessedness.htm

The Blessing of Full Assurance
... beginning to end, that you may read its precious promises as made ... Beware of contentment
with shallow grace ... Prove what the grace of God can do for you by giving ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the blessing of full assurance.htm

Resources
What does it mean to be blessed? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | GotQuestions.org

What is natural law? | GotQuestions.org

Contentment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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