An interesting thing happened this morning when I was trying to write this post. I had a complete article written on contentment, but it appears to have gotten lost somewhere in cyberspace.
After searching for the lost post for some time, I could easily have given up,
putting into practice the very thing I had written about, being content in all circumstances.
In the previously written, and now lost post, I had compared the attitude of enjoying the
sunshine today, over the rain that has pummeled the area over the last few weeks. I looked at
how easy it is to slide into discontentment when things don't go the way we think they should.
I even used my goofy dogs who choose to sit on top of their doghouse in the rain looking forlorn,
but then are anxious to get outside when we bring them in out of the rain, as an example.
Their behavior is so much like ours is far too often. We think we want what we want until we
have it, and then we want something else.
As I looked for the lost article, I began thinking about the difference between contentment and complacency. It would have been easy to simply give up and not even bother to post today. After all, I had written a complete piece and it had simply disappeared. Maybe I wasn't supposed to write today.
But in my heart, I knew there was a message that needed to be shared. The more I adjusted my attitude about the lost piece,and prayed what the Lord would have me do, the more I realized I needed to share the difference between contentment and complacency. It's a fine line that divides being content in what is, and rolling over into complacency and an unwillingness to do anything to make a situation better.
I know I tread a very thin space in trying to make my point.
I am well aware of the Scripture that says "Godliness with contentment is great gain."
(1 Timothy 6:6 ) and completely agree that being content in the things the Lord has provided is paramount to contentment. Recognizing and appreciating the abundance in which He provides is the joy of living centered in His will. He always supplies above and beyond all we can ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20) So the challenge arises:
What are we to do when things cause us to feel discontent?
Do we ever allow complacency to keep us from true contentment?
I recently had a conversation with an older woman who has been living under a tarp on the streets near my work. She has lived there for two years. When I asked, she gladly shared her story. She was happy that I cared enough to spend time talking with her. As our conversation continued and she spoke of being grateful for God's provision over the time she'd been on the street, a question began forming in my mind. When she had told me all the details of her situation, I asked her if she thought she was fulfilling the purpose God had for her life where she was. She and the younger woman with her exchanged a look. I knew the question had challenged both of them. Not wanting either of them to think I was judging their situation, I told them I saw they were helping one another, which was good. I continued to press them though on whether or not they felt they were doing what God wanted them to do. I immediately saw the answer to my question in their eyes. The older woman spoke up first. She realized that, even though her current situation wasn't as bad as many on the streets, she had family who had been pressing her to make a change, and she knew she could be a better advocate for others on the street if she empowered herself. The younger woman nodded, but I could sense she was still fighting to find the next hand hold up out of her current state. I encouraged them to find a Celebrate Recovery program nearby, and both seemed willing to do so, the older of the two expressing she knew it was time to move forward. She recognized she had become complacent about her situation and needed to make the necessary changes to fulfill God's plan for her life. My prayer is she will be able to do what she said she was going to do, and will help her younger friend to achieve the same victory.
Contentment in the things God has provided is a wonderful gift for everyone. Complacency is a lie from the enemy of our souls. Contentment comes from being satisfied knowing we are in the center of God's will. Complacency comes from failing to seek Him in all things. We need to respond when He tells us to move forward or to be still. We need to listen carefully to His instructions and obey Him in all things. He has a great purpose and plan for each one of us and seeking to fulfill it is what brings ultimate contentment.
May He receive honor in all things we say and do.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5&6
"Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near" Isaiah 55:6
