What makes you content?

Is it the people you are with, the place you are visiting, the activity you are engaged in?  Or is it a random emotion or feeling?

I had come to the end of a busy day and was in need of some silence - a rare commodity in a home with kids.  Funny as it may seem, I went out and sat in the car, in the driveway, as a solution.

As I just spent time talking to God, I asked if He was pleased with me.  A soft, gentle answer: "No."

It wasn't at all painful to hear, and when I asked why, He said, "Because you are not content."

Now, I have learned over and over not to be afraid of God's answers; they come with such love and hope.  So, as I mulled this over, He opened my understanding to see what He meant.

Although my day had been full of the love and grace of God, and I had seen His hand moving constantly, by dinner time I had allowed my physical weariness to steal away my joy.  Instead of focusing on the consistancy of His goodness and favor, I was noticing all the dreary details of the evening chores.  I was not content. 

Funk and Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary defines contented as "satisfied with things as they are."

There is only one way to be satisfied regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and that is for our eyes and heart to be focused on things above.

How was Paul able to proclaim that he was content in whatever state he found himself?  (Phil. 4:11)  Because he was empowered - infused - by Christ, Himself, to see beyond this earthly realm.  He chose to look upon the goodness of God that filled and surrounded his life.

God's glory - God's goodness - is everywhere if we simply have eyes to see it.  In every little detail of our day, His love, wisdom, and power are revealed. 

Ask for eyes to see.  Ask for a heart to recognize.  Ask, and you will never lack for contentment.

      

Amy