Transformation Garden - Feb. 28, 2010
"For godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world; But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied)."
I Timothy 6:6-8, Amplified Bible
EXPLORATION
Consequence #1: "An attitude of contentment."
"Contentment" - satisfaction.
"The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment."
Doug Larson
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of what you already have."
Unknown
INSPIRATION
Several years ago, my husband gave me a birthday card with the quotation above printed on it. You might wonder if he was trying to send me a message and my answer would be, "Yes." I was wandering in a wilderness called "What am I supposed to do with my life?" And as gently as he could, Jim was trying to help me focus on all the things that were going well everyday.
I believe Henry Amiel went straight to the heart of what makes us discontented when he wrote, "We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves. The consciousness of wrongdoing makes us irritable, and our heart in its cunning quarrels with what is outside of it, in order that it may deafen the clamor within."
Add to this the fact that Owen Felltham likens discontent to ink poured into water, which fills the entire fountain with blackness, and it is easy to come to the realization that contentment should be sought after like hidden treasure.
Recently, I found a poem composed by Jennifer Messing which is a prayer that defines the attitude of contentment that pervades our lives when we are open to God's fulfillment everyday.
"Contentment"
"Contentment is
Resting secure in the knowledge
That You love me,
That You rejoice, and delight in me.
It's accepting the wonderful way|
You fashioned me,
With unique talents and skills -
Trusting Your strength where I am weak.
Contentment is
Finding joy and purpose
In my life's circumstances;
It's committing to
Give and receive love
Of family and dear friends;
It's discovering Your
Perfect will for my life
And passionately pursuing it;
It's trusting You completely -
Knowing my future
Is in Your hands;
It's offering a psalm of praise
And thanksgiving daily
For Your tender mercies
Which are new every morning
And never cease."
AFFIRMATION
"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 everything through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:11-13, N.I.V.
"The best things are nearest; breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you."
Robert Louis Stevenson
Your friend,
Dorothy Valcàrcel, Author
When A Woman Meets Jesus
mailto:Dorothy@Transformationgarden.com
P.S. My book, When A Woman Meets Jesus, is now available wherever books are sold and on the internet at www.amazon.com, Christianbook.com, or by calling toll-free, 1-800-Christian. You can also go to www.whenawomanmeetsjesus.com and purchase the book through Paypal for $8.00.
If you would like to purchase When A Woman Meets Jesus at discount for your Women's Ministry Program or for Bible Study Groups, please call: 1-888-397-4348.
For more from Dorothy, please visit transformationgarden.com.
Originally published February 28, 2010.
