Finding contentment through Christ

“Is the glass half empty or half full? Just be thankful you have a glass!”

— J. Wellman

The air was crisp, trees had unveiled their beauty, and geese were clamoring boisterously as I watched a small flock winging overhead. Enter the beautiful fall season of Cadillac and Northern Michigan. Those were some of the thoughts and images coursing through my mind as I joined a group of friends for morning coffee at a local café.

Given the timing of the year and the fact that two of the friends, snowbirds as some might call them, would soon relocate to warmer climates, a discussion of Cadillac’s impending winter weather arose. One of the fellows heading south was openly verbose about his intense dislike of the cold and snow laden months. His vocal disdain for winter triggered a change in our discussion, resulting in a lively debate on achieving contentment in life even if the conditions of a person’s situation are not ideal.

Reflecting on the morning’s discussion, weather aside, I thought about the matter of contentment and how one might achieve satisfaction in life when things aren’t going well, or as rosy as one might prefer. As I considered the notion, I found God’s word providing inspiring examples of individuals who achieved contentment even though plagued by grueling and demanding circumstances. Among these were the Old Testament prophet known as Habakkuk and the Apostle John whose life is chronicled in the New Testament.

Seemingly on the edge of disaster and concerned over the fate of his people, Habakkuk tells us that even if he loses everything, he will be content and rejoice in God who he trusts to strengthen him amid hard times. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV).

The apostle Paul, a devout follower of Christ, was the subject of numerous trials throughout much of his life as he traveled extensively conveying to others the importance of trusting in Christ. As he expresses in Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV), even in a life filled with hardships and adversities contentment may be had. “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 all this through him who gives me strength.” For Paul, contentment was gained through his love for Christ and his understanding that the pathway of his life had been designed by his Lord and Savior.

Achieving the contentment possessed by Habakkuk and John may seem impossible, especially when circumstances are chaotic and perplexing. Despite the difficulties placed before them, they were willing to trust God knowing that their lives and well-being were planned and orchestrated by Him.

Are you looking for some contentment in your life? God’s word tells us the contentment possessed by these men is readily available to each of us. “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” — Psalm 37:3-4 (NIV).