Are you a contented person? What I mean by that is, does your soul have peace? Do you have an assurance that there is another who has your best interests in mind and will provide for you? Many today don’t live with that kind of confidence. Instead, life is full of uncertainties, fears, and dread. For as we’ve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, our government can only provide so much, and vaccines can only provide some measure of security but can do nothing for the aching soul.
Again, are you a contented person?
For you can have all the wealth, health, power and fame a person could want but what does it do for your spiritual life? What peace do these things give for your soul?
The apostle Paul learned in his life and ministry that the only way he could be content was through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
You see, Jesus was his helper; Jesus supplied him with the strength he needed whether in good times or in trying times, in times of poverty or in times of plenty.
He says in v.11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
Yes, growing in contentment is a process as a believer. It’s something that God works in you over time, just as He did with the apostle Paul. And it’s something He will work in you as one who trusts in Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life.
Do you have contentment? Do you have peace? You may not be the wealthiest person. Your health may not be that great. You may have many physical trials. You may have personal and family issues or struggles at your job. But in Jesus Christ, you can have peace. For we know that as believers our salvation is secure in Him, and that God will provide for every spiritual need we have in the Christian life. He will help us to bear up under the physical and financial struggles as well and create joy in our hearts. For our lives are in His hands, and those are sure and trustworthy hands.
Trust in Jesus Christ today so that His peace may fill your life and so that you may find your contentment in Him alone.
***
Rev. Ancel Merwin serves as pastor at the Immanuel United Reformed Church in Listowel.
