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True Contentment

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I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)

Our voices of thankfulness are closely connected to the contentment in our hearts. If we are content with our situation in life, then it’s easy to give thanks. When we are content with our job, we are thankful for it. When we are content with the way other people treat us, we give thanks for our favorable relationships. If we have good health, we may often pray to God and thank him for this blessing. When our heart’s desires are fulfilled, thankfulness is easier to express.

However, when there is discontent, then thankfulness is harder to put into words. How can I be thankful when my job is a hassle, or I can’t seem to earn enough, or other people treat me badly? How can I be thankful for that accident I had, or the surgery I need to have, or many other circumstances which disturb me or adversely affect me?

There is a way to be truly content no matter what’s going on. The apostle Paul declared, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” The source of his contentment did not come from within himself or depend on life’s situations. The apostle found contentment in the fact that he was forgiven by God because of Jesus Christ who died on the cross to give him eternal life. Paul’s contentment was based on his confidence in the eternal, loving-kindness of God.

True contentment is not attained by the quantity of things or the quality of life. True contentment is the result of the glorious status that we have with God through Jesus. Our outlook on life changes significantly when we learn to say with Paul, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Cherishing our Savior’s loving will for our lives and trusting in his almighty power, we have the satisfaction that he will always sustain us. In all situations—in plenty or want, in sadness or joy, in success or failure, in hardship or blessing—God does not fail to be our refuge and strength.

I believe in God

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“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

I Believe in God

“I believe that the meeting is on the 15th… but I’m not sure.”

“I’m not sure. I believe that cold weather is on its way.”

“I believe this is a healthy option,”

“I’m voting for this candidate because of my beliefs.”

“I don’t know for sure. I believe Mom is planning to have us all at her place this year.”

In our everyday conversations, sometimes the words “I believe” = “I’m not sure.” We are all battling sin and want to know the truth. We know we can’t believe everything we hear, especially in politics, social media, and even what others say to be truth.

But when Christians talk about their faith, it’s just the opposite. The words “I believe” = “I know for sure. I am confident. I know this to be true.”

What do we know for sure? What are we confident of? What do we know to be true? Do you believe in man? Do you believe you are right?

The Apostles’ Creed is a nice, short summary of what Christians believe. It starts with the words: I believe in God…

Jesus says to us in the Bible: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Faith is about knowing. Knowing facts. I believe = I know the facts of who God is and what he has done for me. I believe, I know, I am confident, I am sure that God made me, saved me through his Son, forgave me through faith in Jesus Christ, gave me eternal life.

Faith is also about knowing someone. It’s a relationship. Confident trust. I believe = I know and trust this creating, saving, forgiving, life-giving God as my God because he sent Jesus Christ, his Son, for me.

In our lives, so much can be uncertain: weather, politics, conflicts across the world, our health, our employment. Who can we trust? What can we believe to be true?

Here’s something you can be certain about: that the true God is your God, that he sent Jesus Christ to die and rise again for you, and that by trusting him as your Savior you have eternal life. You can say: “I know this to be true. I am sure of it. I am confident of it. I believe in God.”

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How Does God Deal with Our Sin?

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Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

“How far can you throw it?” That question when asked in the neighborhood, results in several kids lining up and taking turns to see who can throw the baseball the farthest. It’s friendly competition, but even as the contestants get older, the baseball never makes it more than a few backyards away.

Our sins never seem all that far away either. We try to forget them by thinking about something else. We try to rationalize our sins and make excuses for them. We try to pass the blame to others. We try to pretend that they never happened. But try as we might, we just can’t seem to throw them too far away from us. They weigh on our conscience. They float around in our mind and keep us up at night. We are often reminded of our sins by the hurt feelings and comments of others. Sin never seems too far away.

That’s where Jesus came in. He didn’t just pick up our sins and throw them a few backyards away. He has removed them “as far as the east is from the west.” Who can measure the distance from east to west? You can travel thousands of miles in either direction and still have just as far to go. God’s forgiveness for you in Jesus is immeasurable. His supply of forgiveness will never run out. When God removes your sin, he removes it completely. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus your sins are gone for good. They are not coming back. And trusting in Jesus as your Savior, you have an eternity in heaven to look forward to.

“How far can you throw them?” When it comes to sin, the answer is “not very far.” Our human ways of dealing with sin will always ensure that they keep coming back. Instead, lay your sins on Jesus and let him throw them away “as far as the east is from the west.” You are forgiven for all of your sins. In Jesus, they are nowhere to be found.