Finding True Contentment in God's Presence
Summary
In our first session on contentment, we began with a vivid image of a woman standing before the ocean, desperately thirsty, and considering drinking the ocean water. This image serves as a metaphor for our own lives, where we often seek satisfaction from sources that cannot truly quench our thirst. The ocean, while good and life-giving in many ways, was never meant to satisfy our thirst, just as the temporary things of this world cannot fulfill our deepest needs. This session sets the stage for our exploration of biblical contentment, which is not about putting on a happy face or pretending everything is okay. Instead, it is about finding a deep, abiding peace and joy in God, regardless of our circumstances.
We will explore this topic over eight sessions, beginning with understanding what biblical contentment is and what it is not. We will then examine the enemies of contentment, particularly the sin of coveting, and finally, we will look to Jesus as the perfect example of contentment. Today, we discussed why contentment is important: it serves as a testimony to the watching world, encourages the church, and matters deeply to Jesus, who desires our joy to be full.
Contentment is not an emotionless life; it is an inward assurance in God's sovereignty and goodness that produces joy, peace, and thanksgiving, regardless of outward circumstances. It is rooted in God's character and independent of our circumstances. We are called to trust in God, who is eternal, rather than in temporary things. The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water from Psalm 1 and Jeremiah illustrates how we can bear fruit even in drought when we are rooted in God. Jesus, as the vine, is our source of nourishment, and abiding in Him allows us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Key Takeaways:
1. Contentment as an Inward Assurance: True contentment is an inward assurance in God's sovereignty and goodness, producing joy, peace, and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances. It is not about changing our external situations but allowing God's presence to transform our hearts from within. [13:29]
2. Rooted in God's Character: Contentment is deeply rooted in trusting God's character. Our eternal thirst can only be satisfied by an eternal God, not by temporary things. Trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty is essential for true contentment. [15:35]
3. Independent of Circumstances: Biblical contentment is independent of our circumstances. It is a miracle of God's grace when our hearts are fitted to our circumstances, allowing us to find peace and joy even in trials. [16:39]
4. The Image of a Tree by Water: The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water illustrates how we can bear fruit in all seasons when rooted in God. Trusting in the Lord and delighting in His Word are key to this vibrant, fruitful life. [18:12]
5. Abiding in Jesus: Jesus is the vine, the source of our nourishment. Abiding in Him allows us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, even in difficult circumstances. A contented life is one that walks daily with Jesus, trusting Him to provide all we need. [20:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - The Thirsty Woman by the Ocean
[01:30] - Real-Life Challenges and Contentment
[03:34] - Biblical Contentment: An Introduction
[04:53] - The Enemy of Contentment
[05:39] - Jesus as the Perfect Example
[06:24] - Why Study Contentment?
[07:13] - Hope to the Watching World
[09:40] - Encouragement to the Church
[11:09] - Jesus Cares About Our Joy
[12:25] - Defining Contentment
[13:55] - Contentment is Inward
[15:35] - Rooted in God's Character
[16:39] - Independent of Circumstances
[17:50] - The Image of a Tree by Water
[20:28] - Abiding in Jesus
[22:19] - Closing Thoughts and Next Session Preview
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Contentment
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 1:1-3
2. Jeremiah 17:7-8
3. John 15:4-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, the speaker uses the image of a woman standing before the ocean to illustrate a point about contentment. What does this image represent, and why is it significant? [00:10]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the real-life challenges that can test our contentment? [01:30]
3. How does the speaker describe the relationship between contentment and God's character? [15:35]
4. What imagery from Psalm 1 and Jeremiah is used to describe a life rooted in God, and how does this relate to contentment? [18:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon mentions that contentment is an inward assurance in God's sovereignty and goodness. How does this inward assurance manifest in a believer's life, especially during trials? [13:29]
2. The speaker discusses the sin of coveting as an enemy of contentment. How might coveting manifest in a person's life, and why is it considered a barrier to true contentment? [05:04]
3. Jesus is presented as the perfect example of contentment. How does His life and teachings provide a model for us to follow in our pursuit of contentment? [05:39]
4. The sermon emphasizes that contentment is independent of circumstances. How can believers cultivate a heart that is fitted to their circumstances, as suggested in the sermon? [16:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you sought satisfaction from temporary things. How did that experience compare to the contentment described in the sermon? [00:10]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of being a "spectacle of glory" to the watching world. How can you demonstrate hope and contentment in your daily life to those around you? [08:55]
3. Consider the role of God's Word in your life. How can you increase your delight in the law of the Lord, as described in Psalm 1, to deepen your contentment? [18:12]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with coveting. What steps can you take to address this issue and move towards greater contentment? [05:04]
5. The sermon mentions that contentment is rooted in trusting God's character. What are some practical ways you can strengthen your trust in God's goodness and sovereignty this week? [15:35]
6. Think about a challenging circumstance you are currently facing. How can you apply the concept of being "fitted to your circumstances" to find peace and joy in this situation? [16:39]
7. Jesus invites us to abide in Him as the vine. What specific actions can you take to ensure you are abiding in Christ daily, and how might this impact your contentment? [20:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Assurance in God's Sovereignty and Goodness
True contentment is an inward assurance in God's sovereignty and goodness, producing joy, peace, and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances. It is not about changing our external situations but allowing God's presence to transform our hearts from within. This assurance is a deep-seated trust that God is in control and that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the full picture. It is a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in the knowledge that God is faithful and His love for us is unchanging. [13:29]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's sovereignty more deeply today? How can you invite His presence to transform your heart in this area?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Eternal Character
Contentment is deeply rooted in trusting God's character. Our eternal thirst can only be satisfied by an eternal God, not by temporary things. Trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty is essential for true contentment. When we place our trust in temporary things, we find ourselves constantly seeking more, never truly satisfied. However, when we trust in God's eternal nature, we find a source of contentment that is unshakable and enduring. This trust is built on the foundation of God's unchanging character and His promises to us. [15:35]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What temporary things are you relying on for satisfaction? How can you shift your focus to trust in God's eternal character today?
Day 3: Contentment Beyond Circumstances
Biblical contentment is independent of our circumstances. It is a miracle of God's grace when our hearts are fitted to our circumstances, allowing us to find peace and joy even in trials. This contentment is not about denying the reality of our situations but about finding a deeper reality in God's presence and promises. It is about learning to see our circumstances through the lens of God's grace and sovereignty, trusting that He is working all things for our good. [16:39]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: How can you practice finding joy and peace in God, regardless of your current circumstances? What steps can you take to align your heart with God's grace today?
Day 4: Bearing Fruit Through Trust
The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water illustrates how we can bear fruit in all seasons when rooted in God. Trusting in the Lord and delighting in His Word are key to this vibrant, fruitful life. When we are deeply rooted in God's truth, we are nourished and sustained, able to withstand the challenges and droughts of life. This rootedness allows us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting God's love and grace to those around us. [18:12]
Psalm 92:12-14 (ESV): "The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green."
Reflection: What practices can you incorporate into your daily life to deepen your roots in God's Word? How can you ensure you are bearing fruit in every season?
Day 5: Abiding in Jesus for Nourishment
Jesus is the vine, the source of our nourishment. Abiding in Him allows us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, even in difficult circumstances. A contented life is one that walks daily with Jesus, trusting Him to provide all we need. This abiding is an active, ongoing relationship with Jesus, where we draw strength and sustenance from Him. It is about remaining connected to Him, allowing His life to flow through us and produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, and more. [20:28]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus today? What specific steps can you take to ensure you are abiding in Him and drawing nourishment from His presence?
Quotes
"Contentment is not an emotionless life; it is an inward assurance in God's sovereignty and goodness that produces joy, peace, and thanksgiving, regardless of outward circumstances. It is rooted in God's character and independent of our circumstances. We are called to trust in God, who is eternal, rather than in temporary things." [00:12:25]
"Contentment is inward. We often think that if I can get all my circumstances out there right, then I'll feel inner joy. The reality is contentment is sourced inward and works outward. I like to think of it as a visual of God has given us a new heart, and as that new heart pumps the life of Christ into all of our members, slowly we become more like Jesus." [00:13:55]
"Contentment is not based on circumstances; it can't be. Paul and Silas were content in some of the worst circumstances imaginable. They're singing in the midst of terrible circumstances. It shows that contentment works inside out. But doesn't this seem counterintuitive? So often we think that if we could just change our circumstances, we could be happy." [00:14:35]
"Contentment is an act of trust. It is placing our hope and faith in a God who is both good and a God who is sovereign. So we are in a sense, whatever we hope in is what we are trusting in. And so a lot of times we trust in false gods. We trust in things like money." [00:15:35]
"We have an eternal thirst that can only be satisfied by an eternal God. Every other item, good items just like the ocean is good, good items are temporary, so they can only provide temporary happiness. We have needs that are much greater; they are eternal, and so we have to look for to our eternal God." [00:16:06]
"Lastly, it is independent of circumstances, and this is the hard one because we so think that if we can just get our circumstances right, everything would be okay. And I ask you to think about your prayer meetings when you're sitting with other women. Normally, and it's a good thing to ask for, but normally we are asking will you just, will this situation change?" [00:16:39]
"How different might it be if we look at each other and say, but even more importantly, ask that the Lord would fit my heart to my circumstances. That's a miracle when he does that, to change my heart in the midst of what is going on. That is his power at work in me, and it is impossible without his grace in me." [00:17:04]
"Psalm 1 says this: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. And here's the image: he is like a tree planted by streams of water." [00:18:12]
"Jesus picks up this imagery; he uses it a little bit differently. He talks about a vine in John 15, and he says, 'Abide in me.' And here's what you see. So we've got these two images in the Old Testament, and Jesus, what he is saying essentially is, he's that stream, he's the place to come drink." [00:20:28]
"Ultimately, a contented woman is a woman who is abiding daily. She is walking with Jesus, and that is what's going to source her life, no matter what happens in that life. So she is a woman that realizes where her joy comes from, and she trusts that Jesus will give her everything she needs at every moment, even when life is unbearable." [00:21:27]
"In many ways, my friend cannot bear what she's been asked to bear without the strength of Jesus, and it is a beautiful thing to watch the Spirit do what man cannot do. I can offer her no promises; we can really offer one another very few promises. God promises he will be with her and he will strengthen her for everything she needs." [00:22:19]
"Be happy in him, O my heart, and in nothing but God, for whatever a man trusts in, from that he expects happiness. He who is the ground of thy faith should be the substance of thy joy. He's the ground of our faith; let him be the substance of our joy." [00:22:59]
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