Scripture reading: Luke 12:13–21

Learning Contentment

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Phil. 4:11 NIV)

 

One reason I love old books is because they often speak to issues our present generation ignores. For example, when have you read a book exalting the virtue of being content with what you have? Jeremiah Burroughs wrote such a book about 350 years ago entitled

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. The book is basically an exposition of Philippians 4:11: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

As we begin a new year, let me offer some choice morsels of biblical wisdom from the heart of a puritan pastor who, though long dead, has much to say to a generation like ours.

Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. (p. 19)

So this is the art of contentment: not to seek to add to our circumstances, but to subtract from our desires. (p. 47)

A Christian comes to contentment, not so much by getting rid of the burden that is on him, as by adding another burden to himself. . . . If you get your heart to be more burdened with your sin, you will be less burdened with your afflictions. (p. 47)

Learn to say, “Lord, I am nothing, Lord, I deserve nothing, Lord, I can do nothing. . . .” A man who is little in his own eyes will account every affliction as little, and every mercy as great. . . . (p. 89)

Contentment delivers us from an abundance of temptations. Oh, the temptations that men of discontented spirits are subject to! The Devil loves to fish in troubled waters. . . . (p. 126)

There is more evil in [a murmuring spirit] than you are aware of. . . . (p. 137)

You are a spouse of Christ. What! One married to Jesus Christ and yet troubled and discontented? Have you not enough in him? (p. 145)

Discontent makes our affliction a great deal worse than otherwise it would be. (p. 160)

 

You reason amiss: you reason, “I am disquiet because God is gone,” when the truth is, God is gone because you are disquiet. Reason the other way. . . . (p. 189)

 

 

 

 

Unsatisfied desire is in itself more desirable

than any other satisfaction.—C. S. Lewis

 

point to ponder • In what part of your life are you discontent?

 

prayer focus • To learn contentment regardless of your circumstances.