Contentment In Jesus

What is the full or abundant life that Jesus gives? It is not necessarily a long life, nor a life free from sorrow or sickness. The abundant life, is a life of contentment, which comes from the confidence that God is equal to every emergency and does supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The contented life is where the sheep find themselves in the hands of THE good shepherd. We should remember that there will be dangers and various storms of life. But in the hands of THE good shepherd the sheep are content and life is bountiful. Contentment is satisfaction which means to have enough.The abundant life is, therefore, one in which we are content in the knowledge that God’s grace is more than sufficient for our needs, that nothing can suppress it, and that God’s favor toward us is unending. 

To fully understand how we can know the abundant life, we must first know life and we do that by faith in Christ. The 23rd Psalm is above all a Psalm of contented life.

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. 

He leads me beside still waters. 

He restores my soul, 

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me 

in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 [ESV]

Not to be in want is to be content, and this state can exist only when we are in the loving arms of the Savior. David tells us he is content in The Lord, first, he does not lack rest, indicated by he makes me lie down in green pastures. Second, David tells us that he does not lack guidance. For the Lord leads me beside still waters … he leads me in paths of righteousness. Third, David tells us that he does not lack safety, even in the presence of great danger. We know strong faith comes from having faith tested. Patience comes from having lived through tribulations.This means that life will not necessarily be smooth sailing at times but we can be assured we are not alone through the rough places. Fourth, this Psalm speaks of the shepherd’s provision for each physical need of the flock. David knew of God’s great love and provision and his heart was made merry in his blessed life, but it is not in this life only that he knows God’s goodness. He will know it forever. 

 

Do you know the peace of God? Are you content in the Master's Hand?  You will only find this contentment in the good shepherd as a member of His flock. Seek Jesus and trust in the promise of eternal life with Him promised to those who love Him.