Violent protest action, horror crime reports, wild cat strikes, Klein Karoo fracking controversy, the ever widening gap between rich and poor.
These and other disturbing trends in the news have sent shock waves through South Africa in recent months.
A sense of restlessness, discontent and fear – a sense of wondering what is happening to our beloved South Africa.
What about you? Are you overwhelmed by these foreboding clouds of fear and discontent? Do you find yourself being negatively influenced by the contentious attitudes that surround you…perhaps allowing the dark moods of anger, envy, fear or self pity to invade your inner space? Moreover, how do you cope when tragedy strikes, or circumstances you have no control over change your life? A serious illness, financial ruin or losing your job? How do you find contentment in this rat race without becoming a rat?
Firstly, contentment is rooted in the crucible of Gods love dwelling at the very heart of your inner being, allowing Jesus to transform you from the inside out. Life takes on a whole new meaning as you forge a profound relationship with your loving Father through Christ and the lead of the Holy Spirit.
We read in Ephesians 3:14-17 For this reason I kneel before the father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lords people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Jesus has offered each one of us the gift of peace even though we live in a troubled world. Yet, we can so easily allow egocentric attitudes of pride, self indulgence or self pity to dominate our inner space, leaving very little room for the peace of God which transcends all understanding to form the bedrock of our thinking (Philippians 4:7).
Notice how vigorously Jesus addressed this issue when he confronted the religious elite of his day. Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and indulgence. Blind Pharisees! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside will also be clean (Matthew 23:25). The Pharisees public image of religious piety belied their inner motives of insatiable greed. In reality, they were not content with the blessings they already had.
Our selfish human nature
As you deal with the real issues that confront you on the ground, day by day, it is helpful to sometimes ask the question: What does my cup look like on the inside? Why am I doing this or why do I feel this way? What motivates my actions? Am I motivated by the love of God or have I given room for my own selfish desires and agendas to prevail? Perhaps a twinge of envy at another persons success or comparing my sad lot with the happy lot of others, or becoming preoccupied with me myself and I, thus allowing a spirit of discontent to triumph.
It is important to be constantly aware of our own thinking, recognising our selfish human nature when it rears its ugly head and then making a conscious choice to yield our dark thoughts to the light of Gods grace and forgiveness. God, in Christ, has reconciled all humans to himself, including you (Colossians 1:20). However, he will never force any person to embrace that reconciliation. Love cannot be coerced. God wants us to love him out of a joyful response to His love, not as robotic beings that have no mind or choice of our own.
The great theologian Augustine noted; restless is our heart until it finds its rest in you. This is the kind of rest that does not regard material wealth or status as the source of lasting happiness, but realises that who we are in Christ is far more important than what we have.
Jeremiah Burroughs wrote in his famous book entitled, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment: Christian contentment is that sweet inward quiet, that gracious frame of spirit which freely submits to and delights in Gods wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.
Paul was a prisoner in one of Emperor Neros dungeons when he uttered these words. Put yourself in his position. Paul was a proactive, independent, action oriented, driven man and perhaps naturally very impatient. We would call him a Type A personality today (or a Choleric). He had already travelled three dangerous missionary journeys and here he was imprisoned in a tiny cell, chained to a Roman guard 24/7! Can you imagine how he felt? Yet he was able to write….
I have learned, to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13).
He learned that contentment and happiness are not dependent on what we have or our external circumstances, but upon the inner qualities of the heart meshed together in a trusting relationship with the Lord.
Contentment is not detachment
Contentment comes not as a result of overcoming difficult circumstances, but because we have learned to walk with our Father even during turbulent times. We can choose to become bitter, angry or depressed when life treats us unfairly or trust in God when we cant make sense of what is happening…being certain of God when we find ourselves struggling with uncertainty. God didnt promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. It is important to understand in this context that contentment is not detachment. We are emotional beings and it is natural to feel and express pain, sorrow and grief when adversity comes our way.
Cultivating a spirit of gratitude for each new day…a sense of wonder and appreciation for life is vital to maintaining a healthy perspective in good and bad times. Trevor Hudson, renowned senior pastor and international speaker, tells a moving story about a young woman who had been suffering from leukaemia for a period of three years. She made him coffee and buns with her gown wrapped around her frail body and said after what I have been through you say thank you for everything…even coffee and hot cross buns.
It is all about living in the moment and surrendering each day to the Lord rather than postponing joy and waiting for a day when your life will be less stressful. That day may never come. Instead, look for opportunities to savour the small pleasures of everyday life. When we allow ourselves to be preoccupied with the past or the future, we disconnect ourselves from the present moment. Learn to enjoy the simple things in life such as talking to friends, going for walks in Gods beautiful creation, listening to beautiful music, etc.
Living a purposeful life in harmony with the Triune God adds a rich dimension to your life that words cannot even begin to describe. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most prominent poets of the Victorian era stated Gods gifts put mans best dreams to shame. God wants to see us grow to our full potential. Notice John 15:4-8 Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the vine…apart from me you can do nothing…this is to my Fathers glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
What energises you?
Contentment isnt a matter of being satisfied with your situation in life and never trying to improve. We were created to lead a fulfilling life by growing our God given talents. Are you engaged in something you love? Identify the things that energise and excite you, then find a way of immersing your life in these activities in partnership with the Triune God.
Research indicates that relationships provide the strongest meaning and purpose to life. Cultivating meaningful relationships with the important people in your life will add significantly to your well being. Yet, it is sometimes difficult for us to be content with the friends, family and work colleagues we interact with every day. Our human tendency wants to change or control others, rather than simply accepting and appreciating them for who they are, warts and all. Learn to be content with the people you love, just as they are.
Let me conclude with Pauls words in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (TNIV bible)
Indeed, the secret of contentment lies in living out our destiny in Christ, now and for all eternity.