Lord, you have assigned my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalms 16: 5-6
I was talking with a group of folks the other day about the present state of our economy and all that goes with it. For the most part people were pretty negative about our collective state of affairs. I’m sure you have been in those kinds of conversations. It can really bring you down and at times that is not what I need to hear. So it is always refreshing to run into another friend of mine who when asked, “How’s it going?” he always replies, “Things couldn’t be better. I am blessed in so many wonderful ways. And the point is, he REALLY means it.
It is such an encouragement to bump into someone every now and then who is content with his or her lot in life. As we keep plowing ahead in this economy, many are being challenged to think deeply about what brings real contentment. Many as well work continuously to acquire more and more, thinking that the secret to a happy, contented life is having more toys. Then when adversity strikes and they suffer loss, the level of discontentment soars.
The problem is that the covetous can never be content. Their desire is insatiable. Some people are satisfied with little while others are dissatisfied with much. And no wave of the wand of wealth will bring contentment.
Many have learned like Paul to be content whatever the circumstances. He knew sorrow and joy; distress and comfort. Yet he learned to be independent of all external circumstances. Centuries before, David had made the same wonderful discovery. He said, ” The Lord….makes my lot secure.” And with this knowledge, he was happy and content in life.
As we find ourselves tossed about from all kinds of external circumstances, make it a part of your daily devotion to rehearse all the things that you are thankful for and this will usually silence the demon of discontent.
