The Bottom Line of Contentment

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.” 

Job 13:15 

The Apostle Paul said he had “learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). The key word is learned. It didn’t happen overnight. In time, however, Paul could even write those words from a prison cell. But how can we know whether we have learned that secret? This may be the litmus test: Are you prepared to lose what you have?  

Despite Job’s grief and agony, he made this strong statement about God in today’s Scripture: “Though God slay me, yet will I hope in him.” Though he had been staggered by blow after blow of bad news, Job took his stand on the character of God. He believed with all his heart that God had supplied him with all he needed. And even if God took it all away—including life itself—Job would remain faithful.  

That’s the real bottom line of contentment. If tomorrow God takes away your health, your job, or even a family member, will you hold on to hope?  

Being content in You, Jesus, is all I really want. You have given me many, many wonderful gifts, people, and opportunities. You have filled my life to the brim—and running over. But if You choose to remove those gifts and treasures, one by one, I will remember all You have given me in Jesus… and be content.