A Good Word Wednesday #18 Contentment 🥧☕︎

Words of hope, help and encouragement for you today

Word of the Week: Contentment

It’s not very hard to understand how the words gratitude and blessing relate to Thanksgiving. (See previous posts.) But what do Thanksgiving and being content have in common? And it’s more than happily patting your very full belly and taking a nap after your abundance of turkey and pumpkin pie.

My pastor is preaching through a series called “The Satisfied Soul.” Pastor Bryan said, “Contentment is knowing that Jesus is enough… When you focus on Jesus, you can be content.” That means…

• not focusing on yourself.

• not comparing yourself to others.

• not always looking forward to getting the next thing — a car; job promotion; the latest, greatest pair of shoes… or whatever.

• We know that when we get those things, it only leaves us wanting more. What’s one item you really wanted, and when you finally got it, it made you feel unfulfilled and wanting more?

Wednesday in the Word

The Apostle Paul spoke from experience from the depths of a jail cell when he wrote:

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

Really, Paul? In EVERY circumstance? You can really be content when you have more than enough and when you don’t have enough? When you’re in a jail cell or when you are enjoying the sunshine on the beach? When you have had second helpings of dressing and green bean casserole or when you watched others eat and you had an empty plate and a growling tummy? How is that even humanly possible?

The answer to that is, it’s not! The very end of the scripture says, “… through him who strengthens me.” When God truly is enough… when you’ve tested that theory when you’ve been through loss and disappointment… and when you’ve gotten more than you’ve asked for… and you are at peace in both situations… that’s when you know. You’ve figured out the connection between Thanksgiving and contentment… you can give thanks from a contented heart because you know whatever he gives you, it is enough. And it is not based on your circumstances.

More Good Words from the Word

“But godliness with contentment is great gain..” I Timothy 6:6

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Words I Recommend

A Good Blog Who's At Your Table Today?

“I’ve learned that God weaves people in and out of our lives and we always are enriched by their presence. Sometimes we learn big things and sometimes, we just need to share turkey, or a hamburger, or pie and coffee, and just be family together. Who’s at your table today?

Who will be at your Thanksgiving table?

A Good Song - Graves Into Gardens (I LOVE singing this song at my church!)

I searched the world But it couldn't fill me Man's empty praise and treasures that fade Are never enough Then You came along And put me back together And every desire is now satisfied Here in Your love

Oh, there's nothing better than You There's nothing better than You Lord, there's nothing Nothing is better than You

A Good Book Chasing Contentment: Trusting God in a Discontented Age, Erik Raymond Chasing Contentment

“Here, early in our journey, we have considered contentment is inward as opposed to external. It is quiet rather than complaining. It is a work of grace rather than a result of human effort. It rests in God’s providence rather than complaining against him. With this we have the instruments of our mind tuned by grace.”

A Final Word

One more week until Thanksgiving Eve. I know, that’s not a real thing. Not like Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. But what if it was? What would you spend your Thanksgiving Eve doing?

I think it would be amazing to create a new tradition. On Thanksgiving Eve, take a little time before you start preparing your Thanksgiving Feast and before you get distracted with all the people in your house and wondering if you have enough food…. just to press pause… and sincerely thank God… Know that He gives you enough… And be content.

Until Thanksgiving Eve next week… share a good word with someone today.

Grateful for you,

Would you do me a Thanksgiving favor? Would you forward this post on to one friend who needs a good word today? Many thanks for your act of kindness.