What Does it Mean to Be Content in All Circumstances?

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D. There is a story of a king who suffered from a painful ailment. His counselors advised him of the only cure—to find a contented man, get his shirt, and wear it night and day. So, the king sent messengers to find such a man, with orders to bring back his shirt. After months of searching the kingdom, they returned empty-handed. “Did you find a contented man in all my realm?” asked the king. “Yes, O king, we found only one in all thy realm,” they replied. “Then why did you not bring back his shirt?” the king demanded. “My king, the man had no shirt!” The story’s point is that contentment is a rarity, yet at the same time something we all desperately seek and need. Recently as I was on Facebook reading posts of my friends, I was reminded of the fact that we look for so many things in our lives to satisfy and fulfill us. As I was reading I recognized the frustrations, sorrows, joys, and everyday challenges of life. But some of the posts I read really made me think about the things we search for in life and why. We’re all looking for that elusive and rare thing called contentment! I have been thinking a lot lately about contentment. I look back now and recognize that I could've spent time looking for satisfaction in graduating Summa Cum Laude from my doctoral program, being a seminary professor, my family, and yes, even in my work of teaching in the church. Those things are not inherently bad. However if I define myself by my successes with education, job, family, and church, I will never find contentment, because I’m choosing things that change constantly. Careers change, family brings great joy, but also some great losses, and yes, even the church is not perfect. What are you seeking after? Do you think I will be satisfied if only . . . I have the right career . . . I am loved by the right person . . .  I am secure financially . . . I am the best parent. You can fill in the blank. Contentment, true contentment, comes from an intimate and growing relationship with a loving God. He sees me. He sees my struggles. He’s seen my chasing after the wind and how it’s always been just one more step away. The elusive thing about “just one more step” is that there’s always just one more step! He sees my joys. He see my sorrows. He sees my faults. He sees my sins and STILL loves me fully and completely. For that, I’m completely and totally satisfied! I’m content! God desires contentment for all who follow Jesus! Let’s stop chasing after the wind and find our contentment in the one who NEVER changes. Jesus ALONE satisfies! Be encouraged!