Content Beyond Circumstance

Is this the winter of your discontent?

Contentment

Gk. arkeo is used as a verb in Heb. 13:5 - Be Content/ Be Enough

Speaks to sufficiency; not co-dependent with others

We use ‘content’ as in, what is contained within

Control of one's desires

Not just a passive acceptance of the status quo

Heb. ya'al pleasure or willingness to do a certain action, requested by another person

The positive assurance that God has supplied one's needs, and the release from unnecessary desire.

Satisfied by the grace of God

Jesus rebuked discontent

Luke 12:32–34 NIV

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Old & New Testament texts are clearly written against covetousness, against greed. Exodus 20:17

Understanding contentment more fully has led me to understand my own co-dependency: excusing others sinfulness that allowed them to continue in sin, and allowing others to have power over me by not taking responsibility for myself and my own sin.

Jesus engendered confidence in the Father who will dispel all anxiety concerning physical needs.

Jesus was content in himself, living God.

Jesus was not content with human sin and the wounds caused by that sin.

Jesus brought peace by through righteous love.

Knowing the Son, Jesus Christ, requires digging in the Scriptures, make the time to communicate in prayer with God, be in relationship with others who are in relationship with him.

Knowing Jesus Christ invites the Holy Spirit into our lives to grow the fruit of his Spirit.

Once I understood how I had excused sin of myself and others, I understood my discontent, and that trusting in God could give me peace.

This requires the convicting/ convincing grace of God.

God is always present with us, considers our requests, and always helps us.

Power comes from God’s approval, not in ours from him. God desires our heart.

Godly righteousness loves beyond our circumstances. Not in ignorance to sin and hurt but by living through them.

The peace of God is beyond our understanding but not beyond our experience. You will be content in God.