“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:12 KJV
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 KJV
In my prayer life and relationship with God, I am so very aware of the balance of “thanks” and “want.” Somewhere in the middle of those two states is contentment.
It’s like a scale.
On one side are all the things you know God has accomplished in your life and the lives of others – all the stuff He created and does along with the fact you’re breathing. Those miraculous things are a marvel to even consider. He’s God and worthy to be praised.
On the other side of the scale- all the petitions or “asks” we have. There are the needs, wants, and desires we have – that stuff that wakes or keeps us up at night. It is the stuff that worries us and we cry out for God to give, release, take away or stop.
In the middle of there lies contentment.
The greatest gain is – when we have needs, wants and desires, we recognize God’s place in our lives and then respond in turn by action to the place and position He has in our lives. Let me restate it simpler. Due to the fact we recognize who God is and whose we are- our thought process causes us to ultimately react with contentment in whatever state/place we are.
For example – I live in a townhome. I’m thankful for my townhome, but my heart’s desire is to own a mansion. There’s a gentle balance of being thankful and desiring the mansion.
Now, I could desire that mansion so bad that I’ll do anything to get it – lie, cheat and steal. This is where godliness with contentment enters the conversation. Godliness – personal integrity and upright behavior – play a major part in achieving contentment. Adding those two together is great gain and demonstrates a piece of spiritual maturity.
The thought process to deal with that desire that leads to contentment- Lord, I thank you for my townhome, if it be Your will guide me to acquire the mansion you have for me. Regardless, I will continue to be content in the townhouse I have because you have blessed me with it.
The concept of abase and abound needs to be apparent in our lives. Contentment doesn’t necessarily mean to be stagnant or not grow. We should understand how to be content in less meager times or when situations or circumstances are overflowing.
Recognizing that you are right where God would have you at this very moment is key. Pray for clarity on what you desire – if it is His will. Make sure you praise and worship Him for how he’s already blessed you. Contentment will find its way to you.
lifeandgodliness 