Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Have you noticed discontentment in your life? Are there things you were once excited about that you have grown weary of? Something as simple as where you live or where you shop, or it could be the color or length of your hair. The sameness of life can sometimes make you feel discontent, a sustained feeling dissatisfaction.
My level of contentment is influenced by both external and internal conditions. Recently, I felt the nudge of dissatisfaction with my hair, which was in the in-between stage of being neither long nor short. When I saw other people with short hair, it made me feel more dissatisfied with my own. I did not have the nerve to cut it all at once, so I did it gradually over a period of nine months. Every two months or so, I’d get a little bit cut until finally I decided to take a noticeable amount of hair off. I am really loving it and feeling satisfied, at least for now.
To be content is to embrace a sense of sufficiency. Contentment sees the cup as half full. It looks for the riches that wihtin unfavorable circumstances. It allows us to take pleasure in what we have and what we are, even life’s simplest offerings. Contentment can be cultivated through trusting in the promises of God.
There are situations in life that cannot be changed with a new hairstyle. When I feel like I am at a loss for an answer to soothe my doubts and calm my fears, I need hope that is rooted in an unchangeable promise. What do you do when you notice discontentment or hopelessness? When the zeal for life is gone, what do you do?
It is easy to give up and do nothing. However, you have an option: to trust in the God who says that he will never leave you or forsake you. There is an opportunity to feed on that promise and thereby turn from an uncertain present to a brighter tomorrow. We hope you’ll join us October 2 for I Will Never Leave You Day of Prayer, dedicated to those feeling lonely, hopeless or in despair.
As we pray and rely on God’s promises, we grow in our understanding that God is as close as the air we breathe. God bless you!
