by Lt. Stephen Zachary, Chaplain, USN
Co-Director - Evangelism
ChildCare Action Project (CAP) Ministry
Do you want to have contentment?
True contentment is separate from our circumstances. Contentment is a state of the heart, not a state of affairs. Phil. 4:11-13 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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."
It is possible to learn contentment....as at all times, in all circumstances, Christ is able to provide the strength we need to be content. His strength is infused into my weak body, soul and spirit.
I Tim. 6:15 "God is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters." J.I.Packer said "Contentment is essentially a matter of accepting from God's hand what He sends because we know that He is good and therefore it is good."
"I need oil," said an ancient monk, so he planted an olive sapling. "Lord," he prayed, "it needs rain that its tender roots may drink and swell. Send gentle showers." And the Lord sent gentle showers. "Lord," prayed the monk, "my tree needs sun. Send sun, I pray thee." And the sun shone, gilding the dripping clouds. "Now frost, my Lord, to brace its tissues," cried the monk. And behold, the little tree stood sparkling with frost, but at evening it died. Then the monk sought the cell of a brother monk, and told his strange experience. "I, too, planted a little tree, he said, "and see! It thrives well. But I entrust my tree to its God. He who made it knows better what it needs than a man like me. I laid no condition. I fixed not ways or means. 'Lord, send what it needs, I prayed, 'storm or sunshine, wind, rain, or frost. Thou hast made it and Thou doest know.'"
The first monk failed to make God his trust because he tried too hard. When we learn the secret of contentment, we will see God in a new way.....the Blessed Controller of all things, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. This post-Christmas season, I ask you to think about the birth of the true King of Kings! King Jesus was born in a manger, lived, died and rose again! All who believe this shall be content indeed!
In His grace,
Stephen Zachary
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