Contentment

Absolute trust will lead us to the place of contentment. Contentment: to know (and live in) the peace that goes beyond all of our understanding. What a gift!

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 ESV)
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:10-11 NIV)

That's a challenge! To be content whatever the circumstances!

We spend a lot of time, money and energy seeking to have more, to be more or to do more. A new phone comes out: better camera, more data, more storage, faster processor etc - we have to have it. Why? Because we're told we won't be content unless we do. We work harder at work in order to be noticed - we want to be seen to be someone. Frankly, we're not content and as a result we lose our peace and become caught up in the never-ending cycle of seeking more.

Contentment is deeper than possessions, ministry, titles or function. Contentment is the state of our heart so we, like Paul, can say whether we're in need or have plenty, that we are content. We find the secret of being in Christ. We can trust our Heavenly Father because he will meet all our needs according to the riches of his glory (Phil 4:19).

Trust sounds simple, yet for many of us it is the complex process of letting go. It's recognising that we can't do it on our own, all of our striving will lead to frustration and us being robbed of our peace. Trust says that our Father is bigger and more able, he knows what is best for us and our only response is to have a childlike heart of rest and dependency on him.