My pail runneth over

What does it mean to you to find contentment? We are set on a path of acquisition from an early age. It starts with getting stickers for good behavior or memorized Bible verses, moves to grades and friends and baseball cards and on to wealth and possessions. How often have you searched to find "just enough"? We all want our pails to run over. To have more sand than we can possibly use. More is a hedge of protection against hard times, sadness, lonely days and insecurity. Heaven forbid our pails run low. Scarcity is scary. Poverty of position or things or relationships makes you an outcast.

Paul tells us that he was able to find contentment in any situation. It's pretty easy to be content when the bills are all paid, the pantry is stocked, your children are doing well and you are healthy and have a quiver full of good friends. Where do you go to find contentment in the midst of cancer, or unemployment or heartbreak?

Philippians 4:12-13

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

We are created as dependent creatures and all the self-sufficiency and self-discipline in the world won't create contentment in our spirits. That space for rest comes from utter trust in the One who provides all that we really need. Contentment with whatever we are experiencing in life can only be a by-product of being in alignment with God's will and fully aware of and welcoming of our dependence on Him.

Loose hands. Your stuff, your relationships, your life. They all belong to God.

Lord, for today, may I abide in You and truly be content.