By Rev. Bernie Boldt, Oakland Baptist Church

Contentment is one of America’s greatest needs. We are driven as a society to get more and more. Contentment through Christ, though, will give a real opportunity to have joy, peace and rest.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
(1 Timothy 6:6 KJV)

“Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4 KJV)

Honestly, in America we have every opportunity to be joyful. We have many freedoms that give us the chance to do almost anything we would like to do. As we have contentment in our life due to our freedom and satisfaction in Christ, it will bring us to a joyful state. This is a contagious characteristic. Imagine your workplace with an epidemic of joy. It would truly be what God designed us to do and be. Joyfully working!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

When we have true joy in our lives because of contentment, we are apt to give thanks to whom it truly comes from. God gives us true joy and we need to give thanks to God for it. A peaceful feeling comes over us. We look at our lives from a different perspective now. This time of year is a pleasant break from the normal routine of life. Thanksgiving is wonderful, but if you are not careful the Black Friday Shopping can rob you and your family of peace. It may be a rush to get the latest and greatest, but when the store is out of stock people act in unimaginable ways. The opportunity to be with our families and friends and share the blessings we have in our lives far surpasses the latest and greatest. Be honest in any circumstances that you find yourself in, there are still things to be thankful for. The freedom that Christ offers brings joy and peace.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report (commendable), if there is any virtue, if there is any praise, think on these things.

The only way this can happen in our lives will be if we think differently, think biblically. As we renew our minds in Him, He helps us to think positively and honestly about our lives. Putting our minds in a godly place will put your mind at rest.

“…for I have learned, in whatsoever state(situation) I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11b KJV)

How can we have joy, peace, and rest in our lives and in our homes this time of year? We can practice what the apostle Paul did in the time of early church history turmoil. Learn to be content. It is a good time to start, it will give you something to talk about as you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinners next week.

The Rev. Bernie Boldt is pastor at Oakland Baptist Church and administrator of Oakland Baptist School.