(Thomas Watson, “The Art of Divine Contentment”)
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content–whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:11-12
Contentment sweetens every condition.
Christ turned the water into wine. Just so, contentment turns the bitter waters of Marah, into spiritual wine.
Contentment teaches a man how to abound–in the midst of poverty!
Have I but little? Yet it is more than I deserve.
Do I meet with some crosses? My comfort is, if they are heavy–I have not far to go!
My cross is light–in comparison with the weight of glory.
Has God allowed my comforts to be taken away from me? It is well–the Comforter still abides with me.
Thus contentment, as a honeycomb, drops sweetness into every condition.
Discontent is a leaven which sours every comfort; it puts vinegar into every mercy; it doubles every cross. But the contented spirit sucks sweetness from every flower of providence. Contentment is full of consolation.
Therefore Contentment is . . .
a remedy against all our troubles,
an alleviation to all our burdens,
the cure of to every worry.
As medicine works disease out of the body–so contentment works trouble out of the heart. Holy contentment keeps the heart from fainting. Contentment is the golden shield, which beats back all discouragements.
Contentment is a most precious compound! The ingredients put into it are faith, patience, meekness, humility, etc.
Wicked men are often disquieted in the enjoyment of all things.
But the contented Christian is joyful in the lack of all things! He may have little in the world–yet be perfectly content.
O the miracle of contentment!
A Christian finds contentment in the promises. He is poor in purse–but rich in promise. There is one promise which brings much sweet contentment into the soul: “Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” (Psalm 34:10) If the thing we desire is good for us–we shall have it. If it is not good–then the not having is good for us. The resting satisfied with the promise, gives contentment.
~ ~ ~ ~
For more go to: https://abbeyjahath.com/devotionals