Real Contentment

Generations come and go, but nothing really changes. The sun rises and sets and hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south and north, here and there, twisting back and forth, getting nowhere. The rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows again to the sea. Everything is so weary and tiresome! No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. (Ecclesiastes 1:4-8 NLV).

Solomon has described the typical attitude of most people in this passage of Scripture. The Bridger Wilderness Area asks hikers in this pristine area to fill out comment cards. These are actual comments left by hikers:

 Trail needs to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.
 Too many bugs and leaches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.
 Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow during the winter.
 Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.
 The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.
 A small deer came into my camp and stole my jar of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call ___ ___ ____.
 Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights.
 Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.
 Need more signs to keep area pristine.
 A McDonalds would be nice at the trailhead.
 The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.
 TOO Many Rocks...

There is humor in each of these. However, there is also a significant insight to be gained into how we have become so accustomed to our comforts. Contentment comes from an inner quality of trust in the overcoming plan and purpose of God working in our lives. Even when bad things happen to us, our trust can lead us to overcome those feelings of loss and capture the true sense of victory that is ours through Christ. The Apostle Paul knew that and taught it to the Corinthian Christians. After listing all of the many deprivations and trials he had endured, he wrote:

Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10 NLV).

His strength will bring contentment as we trust in Him more and more each day. Commit yourself to that kind of faith as you pray this morning.