by Carlina

Created on: January 28, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

Contentment comes being righteous - not "self righteous" not even "good" or "moral," but rigteous - or right with God.

God doesn't expect man to be able to be good, but he has given him the ability to be in right relationship with him, and that's what it means to be righteous. When man comes to a point that he's willing to submitt and fully trust in God, he can be made righteous and then, I believe, he finds his only hope of finding lasting contentment in this life.

Of course, that doens't mean there won't be anxiety. Discomfort and stirring in the heart and soul can be a very useful tool to God to get us to recognize something he's trying to tell us or get us to do. What's so marvelous about contentment in God, though, is that while it's not consistent - meaning there are periods of God-ordained struggle and restlessness - they are temporary. They always are for a reason, and if we will heed their direction and not simply ignor them or try to pacify them with some physical indulgence, they will result in lasting, positive change in our life - namely spiritual (and by way, often emotional and physical) maturity. Plus, through righteousness, we know we always are right with God, and when you're in good standing with the master, creator of the universe, there's not much that can discourage, disappoint or offset you.

Through this kind of contentment, there also are times of blissful delight, when you find yourself really interacting, experiencing a relationship with God. He is willing to "speak to" his children, and these aren't messages sent mysteriously; it's no hocus pocus, mysticism. Yet, the communication is a challenge to explain to an unbeliever. Still, for those who have experienced it, these "encounters" with God, they probably would say they are among some of the most real, most memorable and influencial experiences in their lives. They simply are moments tuned into God, recognizing that the almight has paused and spoken to you, and you were able and willing to hear. There's no greater contentment than knowing he's aware of you and your thoughts and concerns - and not just in individual moments, but for eternity.

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