As my junior year of college approaches its closing, I am coming to the realization that in roughly a year, my life will no longer begin and end with classes and schoolwork. No longer will I spend hours laboring over various assignments, or countless other hours finding any alternative to avoid said responsibilities. Be that as it may, it seems to have become natural for us to wish our time away in hopes of reaching our next destination sooner rather than later. This is not to say one cannot be hopeful and excited for what the future may hold, but instead that Christ has placed us here for a bigger purpose. To put our lives on fast forward is to miss windows of opportunity provided for us to be a light in the thick of darkness.
Contentment, a concept that seems to have escaped our 21st century minds, is the simple choice of finding gratefulness in each and every moment. I’ll be the first to acknowledge that the excitement of the future can be intriguing, and at times, a motivation to push through the present. Though, the frightening dilemma that arises with such a mentality is: what happens when your highly anticipated future suddenly becomes your present and it doesn’t appear to be going as planned? We are caught up in a world that is teaching us to only find happiness amidst transitional periods; however there is no purposefulness found in wishing your life away.
Philippians chapter 4, a passage full of valuable reminders, speaks directly on finding peace through contentment in verses 11-12 (ESV): “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” …In whatever situation I am to be content.” That being said, when faced with a trial - whatever it may be - to seek after a peaceful spirit found in the Lord is our only answer. Unfortunately, our society has created an atmosphere in which satisfaction is continually based upon the falsehood of always striving for something bigger and better than the present. Yet, it is in the present that we glorify our Father, in the present that we long for Him, and in the present that we run to Him for comfort. Consequently, to escape the here and now, is to pass up treasured time spent thanking Christ for what we do have rather than what we have deemed essential in that very moment.
Contentment, in other words, is to acknowledge Christ’s goodness each and every day, regardless of the struggles that we may encounter. To look towards the future with eagerness is entirely normal; to work hard in the present to prepare oneself for success is undoubtedly a good decision. However, to continually over-look the daily blessings we receive whilst daydreaming what is to come, is to fail to see the love and mercy that our Lord and Savior radiates on us constantly. Seek contentment found in Him, for our only true reward is resting in His promise.
