The Calm of Contentment

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10

The Psalmist provides us with a graphic illustration which evokes an instant feeling of complete safety and contentment. You’ll find it in Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with His pinions,and under His wings you may seek refuge...” What a great trust! Under His wings. The mother bird covers the young birds with her feathers under which they find warmth, shelter, security, and safety.

Jesus’ heart-rending statement to Jerusalem was of this nature. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem...How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling” (Matt. 23:37). May He not have to say the same of you or me.

“Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blest.
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.” -Cushing

Contentment consists not in great wealth but in few wants.