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“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” I Timothy 6:5-7 (ESV)

Wanting what others have never serves us well. Why? Because wantings left unchecked can easily override our joy. They steal away contentment and leave us with a sense of rejection, unworthiness and emptiness. You don’t have to go far into scripture before you see the devastation of wantings gone bad. Sarai wanted children like the other moms, so she allowed her wantings to led her away from God’s perfect plan. Plan B, giving her handmaid to her husband, seemed good for the taking but quickly backfired.

Leah and Rachel’s wantings drove these two sisters apart. Leah wanted Jacob’s love so birthing children became her cupid’s arrow. Jacob’s profound love for Rachel should have dazzled her eyes, but her gaze was fixed on Leah and envy consumed her. Contentment was nowhere to be found among these competitive sisters who longed for what the other had.

Joseph’s brothers wanted to be their father’s (Jacob) favorite. When those wantings weren’t fulfilled, jealousy convinced them to sell Joseph into slavery. Perceived rejection on their part resulted in deeply embedded family wounds.

The Children of Israel wanted freedom from Egypt but they didn’t want the discomforts found wandering in the wilderness. Complaints freely flowed from their lips because their wantings weren’t being met. Years later we find them wanting what everyone else had – a king – instead of trusting God to be their Deliverer and Redeemer.

We can blame our tendencies to covet others’ things to social media, but God knows it really started the moment we entertained the thought we’d been overlooked. We fixed our gaze on others’ stuff and found ourselves lacking. Or perhaps it wasn’t stuff but better jobs, cuter spouses or perfect children that drew us to reframe our lives in a nonfavorable way. We didn’t really need Facebook or Twitter to enlighten our senses – we just allowed “less than” thoughts to steal away our joy.

Contentment is a beauty worth seeking. It shouts gratitude, fulfillment and peace. It gives voice to trust, confidence and surrender. It embraces total freedom found in God alone. It overflows from the heart of one who is satisfied with the more than enough that God provides.

Nothing serves us better …nothing protects our hearts like the sweetness of contentment.

“Father, our view can easily distort Your goodness leaving us lacking and empty inside. Teach us the power of true contentment found in You alone.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life