God’s greatest desire is that you and I spend an eternity with Him and one another someday in a place called heaven and He provided the only way - through His Son, Jesus Christ.  But God did not save us only for heavens sake, but for earthly sake, and He actually desires for you and I to enjoy or embrace the journey here on earth.  I believe mankind’s greatest need is grace, but I also believe mankind’s greatest challenge is contentment.

Without contentment it is hard to enjoy the journey. A few well said quotes:

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled." -Spurgeon

The bible says that “having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6: 8)   Paul said “not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

The bible reminds us “be anxious for nothing…let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7)

"Contentment, then, is the product of a heart resting in God. It is the soul’s enjoyment of that peace that passes all understanding. It is the outcome of my will being brought into subjection to the Divine will. It is the blessed assurance that God does all things well, and is, even now, making all things work together for my ultimate good."  It is not about being the smartest, richest, prettiest, fastest, strongest…etc.,…because there is always someone smarter, richer, prettier, faster, stronger!  Yes set goals but embrace the process, enjoy the journey.  This is humanly possible only if you chose to journey with God - “now godliness and contentment is great gain.” (1 Tim.6:6)  God desires that like the psalmist of psalm 131 you can proclaim “surely I have calmed and quieted my soul.” - that is true contentment!

Pastor Rodney