Contentment

This has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I am guessing that would be because Christmas is upon us, and I am hearing a lot of "I want". Now, we all like it when people want what we give them but does that mean we need to go around continually saying "I want". I realize that it is mainly the kids that are doing that, but what is in your heart. Are you content? Are you wishing for something but not verbalizing it only because it wouldn't be the "right" way to act? Are things really what are important in this world. What is it to be content? The 1828 Noah Webster dictionary say that as a noun it means: Rest or quietness of the mind in the present condition; satisfaction which holds the mind in peace, restraining complaint, opposition, or further desire, and often implyintg a moderate degree of happiness. Philippians 4:11; I Timothy 6:6; & Hebrews 13:5 all speak on being content. Philippians gives us an example from Paul that explains that we can learn to be content. It doesn't matter where we are at in life or what we have. We can still be content. I Timothy reminds us the we can't take anything with us when we die so there really is no gain for wanting more. Hebrews reminds us that God will always be with us. How could we desire anything more than that! God is so gracious. He is always watching out for us and wants only the best for us. Why do we want to look anywhere else but towards Him for all our needs (or even desires)? It is so easy to get caught up in the world's game of having to have the best or needing more than the next person. However, does that ever bring anyone true happiness. I think not. It may bring a temporary happiness like a 2 yr. old with a new toy, but soon just like that 2 yr. old, the joy is gone from that earthly thing that we thought would make our life so much better. Only God can give us true happiness. If we focus on Him, we can be truly content which will bring true happiness.

Loneliness

Loneliness - what is it? According to the 1828 Noah Webster dictionary loneliness is a noun meaning Solitude; retirement; seclusion from company. That definition leads me to believe that loneliness isn't a bad thing. However, I believe, often times we put a spin on it thinking that it is a bad thing. According to the Old Testament in Leviticus 20:24 and Leviticus 20:26 and the New Testament in Romans 8:35-39 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, loneliness can be a good thing when we are looking at it from a earthly viewpoint. Psalms 139 states that we are never truly alone as God is always with us. As humans we tend to want someone we can physically see. I believe the Lord created us to need humans. However, I, also, believe that often thimes when we are feeling lonely, it is because we are feeling sorry for ourself which is not of God. God desires to comfort us and be there for us if only we allow Him to be. We need to make sure to continue in His presence daily, and in todays world it is easy to push God aside until a time of crisis. We need to take time apart from others and spend time in God's presence without the distractions of the world.