Tent Dwellers!

We enjoy camping. I grew up in a tent camping family. As our children were growing up, we tent camped. My wife and I even camped when we took our honeymoon, giving opportunity for our first argument and frustration with each other over trying to put the tent up and keep it up one night. One of the things we are now thankful for is the dome tents which go up a lot easier than was the case with some of the pole tents of earlier years.

Tents come in all shapes and sizes to sleep anywhere from one person to a large family or group of people. Such temporary structures suit their purpose while away from our more permanent dwellings. However, as we consider the reality of our life’s journey, there are two very distinct tents from which we can choose to dwell until we finally reach our eternal dwelling place.

Someone has said, “All the world lives in two tents: content and discontent.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

Under which of these tents have we found shelter? DISCONTENT makes for restless wandering. Blessings and joys are overshadowed that could be appreciated. DISCONTENT can cause us to be agitated with others, envious, and driven by an insatiable desire for more. CONTENTMENT, on the other hand, can have a very calming affect as we move from day to day.

Referring to his own situation, Paul stated…
“(11) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I HAVE LEARNED IN WHATEVER SITUATION I AM TO BE CONTENT. (12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I HAVE LEARNED THE SECRET of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (13) I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” ( Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)

The experiences of Paul’s life appear to have varied to the extremes.
Still He had a remarkable ability to keep things in perspective. Paul had learned how to be CONTENT. As we honestly look at our lives it shouldn’t be too difficult to learn we could be CONTENT with a lot less than we have. So why should we struggle so much with DISCONTENT? The secret is not in focusing on what we might want. That list may go on and on and on. Nor is it in focusing on what others have (although seeing a spirit of CONTENTMENT among many who have less than we have should teach us something). The secret to being CONTENT is in recognizing the greatest needs that have been met and retaining faith in the One who provides us with all good things. (1 Timothy
6:17)

Living in CONTENTMENT! It is not more stuff that is gain. Rather, it is “godliness with CONTENTMENT” that is great gain. ( 1 Timothy 6:6) If we leave God and the things of God out of the picture we are going to struggle with being DISCONTENT. He is the only One Who can truly bring satisfaction to our souls for this life and for eternity. Let us therefore place our hope solidly on God, trusting His strengthening for every situation, and recognizing the countless blessings He continues to provide so that we can truly learn to dwell in CONTENTMENT. Such will prove to be a true shelter from many worldly struggles. ( 1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Have a great day LIVING IN THE COMFORT OF GOD’S CARE!
Carl

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