Struggling with discontentment?

There are so many of us struggling with discontentment at the moment. I joked with a friend the other day, suggesting that if I could manufacture a pill that could offer people 'contentment' I would be a very rich man. 

The reality is that there is no such quick fix solution. I am discovering that contentment is a life-long process in which we have to actively decide to become more content. It sounds a little strange, but the more we wrestle with our discontent, the closer we can move towards peaceful content. 

So, what robs us of deep contentment? What stumbling blocks trip us up on the journey towards becoming content?

Here are some helpful words from the Bible, which I pray will guide us towards this illusive gift.

Job 36:11 - If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.

Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Philippians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Once you have learnt the secret of contentment please share it with others.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Content?

http://thechristianupdate.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/contentment.png How content are you at the moment? Rate yourself out of 10. The writer of Ecclesiastes hits home to us today that we live in times where people are so discontented with everything. As soon as we get the things we desire, we start looking for the next thing. All the time we are praying that this will be the silver bullet for us - surely this will give us peace!? "Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content." - Ecclesiastes 1:8 I am not sure if you can relate to this sentiment today, but if you can, then read these words from Paul. They may guide us into a new way - the way of Christ. "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." - Philippians 4:11-12 That is the secret. This is what Solomon was after. May you find peace and contentment today. Living in Grace D3LM3

What makes your blood boil?

So, what makes your blood boil? What makes you so angry that you could do something drastic?

This morning I was driving the kids to school and we always have to turn across a busy intersection. Everyday we see cars jump the red traffic light and today was no different - in fact, in the space of a few minutes we saw 2 cars do it and both times nearly caused an accident (the second time, it was our family who were nearly wiped out by a dangerous driver). This makes my BLOOD BOIL! There is no law and order any more and sadly some innocent people will die at that intersection soon.

So, what makes your blood boil?

The fact that 4 Rhinos are killed every day in South Africa.
That our National leaders are spending 4.5 Million on their SONA after party?
That 21 000 people die from hunger-related causes daily, most of them are children?
That fundamentalists kill thousands of innocent civilians in the name of "religion?"?
That Eskom CEO's will still get massive bonuses despite being totally "shocking" at their jobs?
That food prices continue to rise, despite the fuel price decreases?
That women and children continue to be abused, raped and violated in our country?
That around 85% of our population follow some kind of faith and yet we have such a high rate of crime and corruption in our country?

Your turn ___________________________________________!

The bible tells us that there were a few things that made Jesus' blood boil too. The incident in the temple is a prime example. When Jesus was angry with something, it was always about an injustice that was taking place - and he was willing to correct this.

"So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables." - John 2:15

As you reflect on this today, may the Spirit of God prompt us to do something constructive with our discontent. Perhaps we are the ones who can start making a difference?!

Living in Grace
D3LM3