As we face the approach of a new year, finding contentment in this life is often difficult to do. We tend to look at others and see what they have and wish we could have it too. This is why big tech companies keep introducing new gadgets certain to make our lives easier. They tantalize us with new features that make us want to purchase the latest device. Then when a friend gets one, the urge to purchase increases significantly. Whether it is an object or a neighbor down that street that seems to have everything, we can often get caught up in discontent. The Psalms speak to this issue.
Psalm 73 is written by Asaph who is a music leader and teacher in Israel. He begins this Psalm by
acknowledging that God is good to Israel, but he goes on to confess that he nearly has stumbled. Vs. 3-5 says: “...for I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.” We can really relate to what he is saying here can’t we? Aren’t there times when we wonder why the person who cheats in his business dealings gets away with it? We live in a world that seems patently unfair at times. However, when we look at Asaph, he is making an assumption about these wicked people. He is believing that their lives are better off than his until he goes into the House of the Lord.
Often, we are tempted by our circumstances in life to envy others. We may not understand why it seems that wicked folks are able skate along in life without a problem, while we may have lost our job, had a broken relationship or some other calamity. The place to start to find the answer is by doing what Asaph did and that is going into the House of the Lord. Asking God in prayer to show us why we are going through our current set of difficulties. He, alone, can give us a new mindset. In Christ, we find our identity, our worth, our purpose as we trust Him. Asaph came to this realization as he made his heart known to the Lord. In verses 23-26, we read: “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” These words go along with what Jesus told us when He said: “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). The key to contentment is to keep our eyes on the Lord. He is working all things together for our good. We must not allow the things in this world to distract us and pull us away from our focus.
Certainly the many journeys of the Apostle Paul are a testament to his ability to grow in contentment. We know he suffered want, stoning, beatings, a snake bite and various other calamities. Yet, in his letter to the Christians in Philippi, he wrote these words in chapter 4:11-13: “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.” He learned to be content by walking through the hardships while keeping his eyes on the goal of Christ. Likewise, we need to ask God to show us what we are to learn when faced with the trials of living. Don’t envy those outside of Christ. We know what their destiny will be if they do not repent. However, we are to follow Christ and rest knowing that He is with us every step of the way. He is fitting us for glory where we will live with Him forever.
If we are struggling with being content and accepting the plan that God has for us, then, we need to remember that He is our loving Shepherd who is gently, carefully, and tenderly leading us even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Do not look at the wicked or the things of this world for they will pass away. Instead, let us lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven by never forgetting that God is our portion, and He is more than enough. Selah!
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