Contentment, Easter

Contentment

Hebrews 13:5
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

True contentment and a lack of covetousness as mentioned in this verse comes from understanding the enormity of what we possess when we take God’s words seriously - “I will never leave you or forsake you.” What else do I need if I have the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine? His words allow me to say with confidence “The Lord is my help, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Easter

The Cross is a picture of God's love for us - a love so fervent that He sent His Son Jesus to give His life in our place, all so that we "should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). The Cross is proof that God cares deeply for us and was willing to go to a great length to restore man's relationship to Himself.

This is not just some historic tale - this is real, relevant and revolutionary still today. I, along with countless others, can attest to the life-changing power of God's love, embodied in the good-news message of the Cross which we celebrate during this time. May the reality of His love continue to be seen in our lives.

Rom 1:16, Gal 6:14

Faith

"When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace."
- Edward Mote

There come times in our lives when it may be hard for us to hear, feel or see God. It is in these "dark" moments that we must place our faith firmly on His unchanging grace as revealed to us in His Word. It is not blind faith, escapism or feel-good fantasy - it is because God never fails.

1 Peter 1:13, Hab 3:17-18, Psalm 30:5

Trust

"'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word."
- Louisa M. R. Stead

Simple and genuine trust in Jesus starts from the inside, then shows on the outside. If you find that you are restless and distressed, choose to throw yourself wholly upon His promises. You will come to a place of rest where your circumstances won't affect the confidence of knowing that God always comes through. He is faithful.

Prov 3:5, Isa 26:3, Heb 11:1

Grace

“‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.”
- John Newton (Amazing Grace)

The closer we come to comprehending the immense gift of the grace of God, the less comfortable we will be to take advantage of it. But knowing that God’s grace means we don’t have to live under condemnation is an assurance that relieves fear.

Rom 2:4, Heb 10:26-29, Rom 8:1

Peace

"Whatever my lot, You have taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.”
- Horatio Spafford

Would it be lying to say “it is well” when our life circumstances suggest the exact opposite? It depends. There must be a certain disconnection in ourselves between our physical and spiritual lives. This is so that our spiritual wellbeing is not directly affected by our physical circumstances. When we reach such a place, then no matter what we come up against externally, we will always be able to say, “it is well with my soul.”

“We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll.”
- Priscilla. J. Owens

Hab 3:17-18, 1 Thes 5:18, Psalm 34:1

Longevity

“Frail as summer’s flower we flourish,
Blows the wind and it is gone;
But while mortals rise and perish
Our God lives unchanging on”
- Henry. F. Lyte

Our time on Earth is minute when measured against eternity. But what an amazing thought to know our God will not only still be Sovereign long after we are gone, but His character will not change. So all that we have known our Lord to be during our lifetime - faithful, loving, gracious, merciful - He will be to our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so on; He will not change.

Heb 13:8, Psa 100:5, 1 Pet 1:24-25