Content in Christ

Kanye is a unique character in the world of music, fashion, politics, you name it.  He has been called a genius, a phenom, and a few other choice words.  After watching the superbowl and seeing his ad I checked out a few of his songs I used to listen to back in the day.  One in particular that I used to like was with Young Jeezy called “Put on”.  Kanye tore up the track with his verse and now listening to it you can see the frustration and angst in his rhymes.  Maybe that is why it resonated with me so much when I was younger.  

The lyrics speak truth about our reality.  It talks about loneliness and contentment and how we can deal with that. It talks about entitlement and achievement and what that brings. I think a bit of it could even be about putting up a strong face so everyone thinks things are all good when truly they are not.  It is sad to say, that is our world today. We can’t find the peace and the joy that we all desire in the things of this world. For a time, they give us a sense of joy and fulfillment but what happens when the glitter fades? Then where do we find fulfillment?  Then what will bring us peace? 

I now know that peace only comes through the hope found in Jesus.  Contentment can only be found in doing what we were created  to do and being with who we were created to be with. I was on the phone with a friend and he said life got better when he stopped fighting the call God put on his life (a secular job rather than a pastor or other vocational ministry) and just glorified God to his fullest in that thing that he loved to do.  There is so much wisdom in that. To be deeply immersed in the thing God has designed you to do but doing that thing completely for the glory of God, that is amazing.  But also to be in fellowship with the King.  We will never be satisfied with this world. St. Augustine said “You have made us for yourself O’ Lord and our heart is restless until it rests on you.” We will have no peace until we know the one who gives peace. Paul calls it the peace that passes all understanding.  It is contentment in all circumstances because he has Jesus. Isaiah says “You [Yahweh] will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” When we trust in the Lord we have complete and whole peace.  A peace you will not find in the things of this world.  Do you have this peace? Do you know the one who can give it? Do you trust him?  Will you trust him?