Speaker: Bro. Bobby Rodriguez, Elder, The Lord's Flock Catholic Charismatic Community

" The Secret of Contentment: Obeying the Word of God "

We can rely on God's word and promises. “ So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55.11).

I am contented with my life. I firmly depend on five particular words and promises of God:

1. Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, say the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.”

We can all trust God's promises and plans for our welfare and for a future full of hope. No need to be worried. We are sure God will listen to us. “When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you.” (verse 12).

2. Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.”

We are all blessed when we trust God. We are content; we do not worry because we are planted in the Lord. We bear fruit all the time. We are highly favored!

3. John 10:10 – “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” Jesus himself, the Good Shepherd, made this promise of a more abundant life. We can rely on the word of Jesus, claim its fulfillment, and be contented.

4. 1Corinthians 10:13 – “No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.”

Even when we face trials and problems, we should not complain and be discontented. We should face them instead of turning our back. We should turn to Jesus who always make a way out for us. Nothing is too difficult for our Lord. When we face trials and tests, we should persevere. At the same time, we should continue to serve even more faithfully in our ministry.

5. Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything appropriate [beautiful] to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men's ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.”

When we agree that everything that God made is beautiful to its time, we are contented. “I recognized that there is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12).

These five particular Biblical verses are the firm foundation that make my life simple, but blessed abundantly by our Lord. I am contented because I obey the word of God and I shall continue to stand on this lasting foundation.

Thanksgiving – Another Secret of Contentment

People seek contentment. Some hope to gain contentment through wealth, power, success, and other achievements. Yet, many wealthy and successful people are not happy and contented.

Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:6-12 – “Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. [Exhortation to Timothy] But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Complete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life….”

Will people be truly content with just food and clothing? (1 Timothy 6:8). Will being rich bring contentment to us?

Another secret of contentment, aside from obeying the word of God, is THANKSGIVING to God. We should all have a thankful heart.

1. Hebrews 13:5 – “Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for as he has said, ‘ I will never forsake you or abandon you.'”

Let us be content with what we have. Let us not covet more money and lust for more possessions. Contentment will free us from covetousness.

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

Let us be thankful and contented all the time whatever the circumstance. Paul wrote “Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself to be self-sufficient [contented].” (Philippians 4:11).

3. 1 Timothy 6:7-8 – “For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content.”

If we recognize that everything in the world is transient for us and not lasting, we should be content with the basic necessities of food and clothing.

4. 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.”

With this verse, we are strongly warned against love of money and riches. The rich official failed to follow Jesus because he was very rich. [Luke 18:18-23).

Possession of money and riches is not a guarantee of contentment. Breaking free from love of money brings not only contentment but salvation. (Read the story of Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10).

A thankful person is not governed by what he does not have but what he has: Jesus Christ who is more precious than gold and all the riches in the world.

5. James 1:17 “All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

We should be thankful for everything that we have – our life, our talents, our health, our possessions. When we have a thankful and grateful heart for what we have received, we are contented.