My sister sent a picture of our parents today, which greatly lifted my spirits. She had managed to get them both together outdoors in their wheel chairs today, to enjoy the sunshine and the gentle breeze in the trees. I was blessed by the smiles on their faces, and as I began to pray for them I said, "Father, I thank You that they are learning to be content, even in their difficult situations and their painful separation from one another." I waited, and in the quiet I heard Him reply, "Yes, and you must learn this contentment also."Paul said, "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 every situation." (Philippians 4:12). He further stated, "...godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
What is this "godliness with contentment?" Godliness here is the Greek world eusebeia, which means piety or holiness - in other words, choosing to be set apart unto God. Contentment is translated from the Greek word auterkeia, which means satisfaction, contentedness, or sufficiency. It means one is entirely satisifed with what he has, content that his circumstances are fully sufficient.
Is that how you feel about your present situation? Or are you continually striving for more, convinced that the "grass is greener" somewhere else, never really satisfied with what you have or where you work or where you live? I felt the Lord was impressing upon me to take this word to my own heart and to send it out to many others. We are in a season of much chaos, violence, negative news, and fear. Can we, like Paul, choose to find the great gain in "godliness with contentment?" Can we, like my Mom and Dad, decide to be content with whatever situation we are in, and give God praise for the small moments of joy we can find in each day?
Paul says he found the "secret" of being content in every situation. If it is a secret, then it is not something everyone knows, not easily discovered. It is one of those secrets we can only find by digging deep into the heart of God. His heart reveals the fruit of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness and self-control. If we learn to practice and focus on these things, we have learned the "secret" of being content in every situation - whether in need or plenty, whether well or sick, whether together or apart. When we set ourselves apart to Him (godliness), He is always, always sufficient for the day (contentment)!
Selah
