Contentment

What exactly is contentment?

Is contentment the state of always being joyful and happy? Can we be content in an unjust event, in unfortunate situations and draining circumstances? Can we truly be content in trying times?

The answer is yes. We can be content. Contentment, simply put, is the knowledge that despite the circumstance, you know God has His best interests for you, no matter how tough or how painful, you know His grace is sufficient. That you don't have to try or work to earn His love, He has already loved you and gone before all of your circumstances and taken control of it. Isn't that just a wonderful reality?

What I realised at the Perth Women's convention is also the fact that God didn't say you can't complain or grumble or be upset or lament at a situation. He wants you to.. But not to others about how He is insufficient, but to bring your cares and woes directly to Him and He will be gentle and loving to you. This is my father  who wants to hear me, He knows my worries and my woes, yet he hears me and holds me close. This is my father who loves me so dearly and in His love, I am content.

Isn't it bizarre? How we always crave and yearn for that something more when we have so much? Or how we easily complete the sentence of.. "I wish I had...", "if only I could..", "If only I had...". Perhaps it's these questions that cause our discontentment. Perhaps fulfilling these statements wouldn't bring us true contentment. Momentarily, for sure, but permanently? There must be something in this world that could satisfy us.. Right?

And it's so simple.. yet.. so easily forgotten.. If we aren't content, then why not look to the maker of the universe, the One who has everything and wants to give you everything in His kingdom? Would that not answer all of those questions and be a permanent solution to discontentment?

I wish for my friends to find contentment in the knowledge of God's Love and Grace. Because for once in my life, I am content. =)