“BEING CONTENT - IS IT POSSIBLE?”

By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

   The apostle Paul said a great deal concerning one being content. The following are some quotes. “...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13). “...we brought nothing into the world and we take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing we will be content with it” (I Timothy 6:7-8). Keep our lives free from the love of money and be content with what we have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). This is a great promise from the Almighty!
    God’s Word teaches that we are supposed to be thankful for everything we possess and in all circumstances. It is usually an easy thing to thank God for the things which are visible in our lives daily. Things such as: houses, clothes, family, friends, health, food, other belongings. But how are we to deal with things when something goes bad? How are we supposed to feel when we lose someone or something or find ourselves in a bad situation? What then? In several different passages of scripture, the Bible tells us that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, we should be content: Do this mean that we should rejoice when we are hungry or do not have something that we need?
   Contentment means, freedom from anxiety or worry. The idea of contentment comes from a Greek word that means "independence" or "self-sufficiency." But the apostle Paul used the word in a Christian sense to show that real satisfaction or sufficiency comes from God: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
    We can be content or satisfied, because we know that God is always at the Christian’s side. We must remember that God can comfort us when no one else can. He can supply everything that we need. He is the supplier of our needs. We must trust Him. Often His love is all that we need in order to get us through whatever problem which confronts us. When we realize this, then we can be content. No matter what happens, we always have our awesome and devoted God. So, a Christian always remembers that in any and every situation, whatever the circumstances, we can be content.

KYOWVA Evangelistic Association
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