Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Phil 4:11 (NLT)

Contentment

The word ‘content’ comes from the word ‘autarkes’ which means: “sufficient for one’s self; independent of external circumstances.”

Independent of external circumstances.

Sounds kinda like “rising above?” and maybe having “peace that surpasses all understanding”…

Contentment is not giving up. It’s not resigning yourself to a situation you’re not happy with. Or the flip side, getting comfortable and lazy with where you’re at and not moving forward.

Contentment is a position of strength and identity. It says that you know that who you are doesn’t have to be dictated to you by your circumstances. It’s a sense of knowing “this too shall pass” and the journey will continue.

We are perpetual race runners – pushing ourselves to the edge, harder and faster, for an elusive prize! We push for more than what we are and have… more money, more things, more influence, more fame, more experiences, more success, more love… We strive and we run and push, ourselves and others… is it fear from not being enough with what we have and who we are right now? Is it to fill an ache or a void with something we think will give us meaning? The desperate grasp for purpose and presence?

We think that contentment will make us hang back on our dreams, and stop us from reaching forward and out… but contentment is the thing that helps us ENDURE until we see the fulfilment of our hopes. It knows that what is ahead is not yet here, and while we can prepare, and make plans, and move towards our goals, it’s a journey… it’s a grace. One that we can panic our way through, or one that we can grow through.

Should you work hard? Yes. Should you rest well? Should you dream and aspire to things bigger than yourself? YES. Contentment helps you move forward with grace, patience and wisdom. Not frantic, but with peace and grace. It provides the space you need to dream and hope, plan and make progress.

Helen Keller said,

“Be happy with what you have, while working for what you want.”

Like Paul, understand that where you are is enough. Not because it is the best place ever, but because, by grace, you know that your worth and identity is independent of your external circumstances.

Live in this moment while you have it. Tomorrow's moments will wait for you.

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