One of the fundamental quests of life is the search for contentment. Entire lives could be expended in the longing for contentment. Plainly speaking, contentment is a state of being, particularly, the state of being content. The fundamental definition of contentment is dense because it encompasses a litany of simultaneous states: peace, joy, and hope. All of these states fall under one large umbrella, namely the knowledge of the Lord.
Because of the depth of content in true contentment, the source of contentment must be the Lord. Any sense of contentment that is not derived from the Lord, is thus but an echo of true contentment. Instead, to be content requires, above all else, an intimate dependence on the Lord based on trust in who He is. When we are content, we are fully satisfied and thankful at who God is and what He has done for us.
There are a number of relevant Scripture verses, however, a few warrant particular insight into the nature of contentment. The first is Philippians 4:11-13, in which Paul describes that he has learned that the source of contentment has nothing to do with the circumstances and happenings of life but has everything to do with the Lord and who He is. This is the very essence of contentment.
Understanding that the Lord is the provider and securer, the sustainer for all of life is the essential starting point for any discussion of contentment. Contentment is reliant on the Lord. To be content is to recognize that the Lord has everything under His control and that all is made secure in Him. Thus, let us look to the Lord to be our contentment!
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