Contentmentنموونە

I have learned...

When I hear the word ‘contentment’, my mind instantly turns to Ruth – a young woman who got married, became part of a good family and, even though it doesn’t explicitly say, I like to assume she was happy! After being married for roughly 10 years, Ruth’s husband passed away. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, tried to persuade her to return home to her parents; however, I love Ruth’s response: ‘… wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God’ (1:16b).

Ruth’s experiences were painful and I’m sure it wasn’t easy to leave everything that she knew behind; however, by demonstrating a posture of contentedness and peace, she opened herself up to the blessings, favour and position that God had waiting for her! Her story echoes the words of Paul in Philippians 4:11b–13 (ESV): ‘… for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I have learned the secret… I can do all things through him who strengthens me’.

Contentment is not determined by our circumstances or the superficial feeling of ‘happiness’ when things are going our way. Contentment is believing that God is with us in the middle of life’s challenges, that He is always working for our good and that if we trust and obey Him, we will always have everything we need!

Written by BRITTANY GARCIA