"Godliness with contentment is great gain."
1 Timothy 6:6, NIV

   Our country’s Declaration of Independence has the noble idea that each citizen possesses the inalienable rights, of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” In the past twenty or thirty years we have become more frenzied than ever in that pursuit. As a nation of millions, we seek the good life, and try to “grab all the gusto” we can.

   The framers of our document of freedom did not explain that while we may have a right to happiness; finding it and maintaining it is another matter.

   Moses endured millions of Israelites who were anything but happy campers. Jeremiah and Noah preached for a lifetime under oppressive conditions with little effectiveness. Paul’s home was the inside a jail cell, bound to stocks and chains. All considered, these were not unhappy people.

   Contentment is never something that comes from outward experiences. It is always a condition of our heart. Lack of contentment in our lives will produce a bottomless pit inside of us. We can pour many things into that pit but it will never fill up. Finding your contentment in the Lord right where you are in life is perhaps the greatest benefit you will ever have.

   Choose today the contentment that is in Jesus Christ and enjoy the blessings of God.

QUESTION: Do you find yourself wanting things and experiencing dissatisfaction? Will you choose to rejoice in the circumstances you are in? What do you do to fill the pit inside you? Ask Jesus to take over those attempts and produce in you the contentment only He can provide.