When we invite God into our lives and strive to live in his presents, our minds can relax.  Anxious thoughts retreat in the presence of the Lord and His Word and unconditional love.  Contentment comes as we realize that He is all we need and He meets all of our needs.  That knowledge imparts an attitude of quietness in our souls.  In the past few weeks I have been reading the book of Isaiah.  One verse that I found very comforting was, Isaiah 7:4, “Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted.”  In these uncertain times, this is powerful wisdom. 

          Most folks are typically worriers, and we have a hard time relaxing when we are not content or obsessively planning every detail of the days ahead. We are prone to often striving for something more and straining to control the people and events in our lives.  A truly contented person can still be ambitious, of course.  But my challenge for myself and for you is to first seek God’s perfect will and rest in God’s perfect ways.

          For me, the balance is to be found between goals and outcomes.  I can be driven in terms of goals, make a hole in one, but I am learning to be content in terms of outcomes (a satisfying walk within God’s creation – the golf course).  We can press onward and upward, striving for the success we feel God want to bestow.  Yet we can be content however our plans develop, knowing God does all things well.

          The Christian life is a simple life, and at the same time a holy life that at its core is quiet and contented.  I would suggest that we live in appreciation and gratitude; seeing blessings every day and in all circumstances.  Check out Proverbs 15:15: “a merry heart has a continual feast.”

          Contented people enjoy the symphony of life.  They are tuned into the music of heaven.  Contentment is the opposite of distress and greed.  It’s not the opposite of adventure!  Our lives are filled with that!  Instead of thinking about what you crave and seeking that, remind yourself of what you have.  Reduce your wants and increase your joys.  Be thankful.