(Psalm 133:1-3)1NIV New International Version Translation – How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
The passage from Psalm 133 celebrates the beauty and blessings of unity among God’s people. The precious oil symbolizes anointing and consecration. It flows down from the head to the beard and the collar, signifying abundance and blessing. The Dew of Hermon represents refreshment and life. The dew falling on Mount Zion symbolizes God’s blessings and the life-giving presence of unity. Isn’t that what we all want? Unity brings us two interconnected gifts from God: hope and contentment.
Hope is future-oriented. It is an expectation or desire for a certain thing to happen. It’s about believing in a better future, even in adversity. Hope is a forward-looking state that involves the expectation of positive outcomes. On the other hand, contentment is more about the present. It is a state of satisfaction that transcends the allure of basic needs and desires. Contentment is being at peace with your past and present situation and being optimistic about the future. It’s a state of inner satisfaction and peace that transcends external circumstances.
Hope and contentment are closely linked to unity in several ways:
- Shared Vision and Goals: Hope often involves looking forward to a better future. When a group of people share the same hopeful vision, it brings them together, fostering unity. This collective hope can motivate and inspire individuals to work together towards common goals.
- Mutual Support: In a united community, people support each other through challenges and celebrate successes together. This mutual support nurtures hope, as their community encourages and uplifts individuals. Contentment arises from knowing that one is part of a supportive and caring group.
- Peace and Harmony: Contentment involves being satisfied with what one has and finding joy in the present moment. When individuals in a community are content, there is less conflict and competition, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious environment. This unity, in turn, strengthens the collective hope for a positive future.
- Strength in Diversity: Unity does not mean uniformity. A united community can embrace diversity, where different perspectives and strengths contribute to a richer, more resilient group. This diversity can enhance hope, as individuals see the potential for growth and improvement. Contentment comes from appreciating the unique contributions of each member.
- Spiritual and Emotional Well-being: In our Christian tradition, unity is seen as a blessing from God. When people live together in unity, they experience a sense of spiritual and emotional well-being. This feeling of contentment in God’s presence and the hope in His promises creates a strong foundation.
The Hebrew word for hope is “Tikvah“. In the Hebrew context, both biblically and in modern Hebrew, hope is more than just a dream. It is both an expectation and a strong expression of faith. The Greek word for hope is “Elpis“. According to Strong’s Concordance, Elpis means expectation, trust, and confidence. It comes from the root word “Elpo”, which means to anticipate (with pleasure) and to welcome.
The Hebrew word for contentment is “Samayach”, which comes from the root word that means “happiness,” “joy,” or “contentment“. The Greek word for contentment is “Autarkeia“. It is used to describe a state of self-satisfaction or self-sufficiency. It’s often used to describe a Spirit-filled Christian—someone who has all they need within and through the indwelling of Christ within them.
The biblical words describing hope and contentment reflect depth and richness. They remind us that hope, and contentment are not just feelings, but deeply rooted spiritual states that come from having a relationship with God. In simple terms, hope is about what we aspire to, while contentment is about being at peace with what we have. Both are important for a balanced and fulfilling life. Hope can motivate us to strive for a better future, while contentment can help us appreciate the present moment and find peace in our current circumstances.
The Bible describes hope as a powerful and enduring virtue.
- Hope is Expectant: In the Old Testament, two Hebrew words, qawa and batah, are used to indicate that when we trust in God, He will not disappoint us. This hope isn’t casual or laced with mystery. It’s the anticipation of what God will do.
- Hope Demonstrates Trust in God Forever: Biblical hope is to firmly place your trust in what God says. It’s not an, “oh, I hope so,” but rather, “I hope because He said so.”
- Hope is Foundational to Faith: Hope is not just wishful thinking or vague optimism; it is a firm assurance that what God has promised will come to pass.
- Hope is a Gift from God: Hope is an enduring virtue of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:13), and love springs from hope (Colossians 1:4-5).
- Hope Produces Joy and Peace: Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the Spirit (Romans 12:12; 15:13).
- Hope is Not a Fleeting Feeling: Biblical hope rests on the trustworthy character of God and His faithfulness to fulfill every promise He has ever made.
These attributes highlight the profound nature of God. It is more than just a feeling or a desire for something good to happen. It is a confident expectation and trust in God’s promises, and it serves as a foundation for faith and love. It is a gift from God that produces joy, peace, and unity in the lives of believers.
“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” ~ Socrates
The Bible defines contentment as an inner state of satisfaction and peace that surpasses external circumstances. Here are some of the top biblical attributes of contentment:
- Contentment is Inward: Contentment comes from the inside rather than from something external, especially our circumstances. It’s not based on external circumstances but occurs within, often despite external circumstances.
- Contentment Avoids Complaining: A content heart showcases itself by not grumbling or complaining. It’s quiet rather than complaining.
- Contentment is a Work of Grace: Contentment is not a result of human effort but a work of grace. It’s not primarily about what’s outside us but about what’s inside of us.
- Contentment Rests in God’s Providence: Contentment rests in God’s providence rather than complaining against him. It trusts in God’s provision.
- Contentment Cultivates a Heart of Gratitude: Develop a habit of counting your blessings and thanking God for His goodness. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have.
- Contentment Avoids Comparison: Refrain from comparing yourself with others; it can lead to discontentment. Focus on God’s unique plan for your life and His blessings for you.
- Contentment Emphasizes Eternal Values: Seek after those things that have eternal significance rather than temporary pleasures. Set your heart on heavenly treasures.
- Contentment Learns to be Content in All Circumstances: Learn to be content whether you have much or little, recognizing that true contentment is not dependent on possessions or achievements.
- Contentment Surrenders to God’s Plan: Trust that God’s plan for your life is better than any plan you could devise for yourself.
- Contentment Fuels the Work of Faith: Contentment fuels the work of faith, humility, submission, dependence, and unselfishness, which will produce virtue and patience that sees and feels the work of God in you.
These are but a few of the attributes that highlight the profound nature of contentment in the Bible. It is more than just a feeling or a desire for something good to happen. It is the confident expectation and trust in God’s promises and is the foundation for faith, love, and unity. It is a gift from God that produces joy, peace, and endurance in the lives of believers.
(Philippians 4:11-13) – “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Conclusion
Being content with God’s promises involves understanding, trusting, and resting in His Word. Spend time reading and studying the Bible to understand God’s promises. The more you know about what God has promised, the easier it will be to trust Him. Remember that God is faithful, and He always keeps His promises. Trust that God is always working for your good, even when circumstances are difficult. God is in control of everything that happens in your life. Rest assured, God has a tailor-made plan for us and will fulfill His promises at the perfect time. Remember, hope and contentment are not about having everything we want but about embracing what we have and knowing that what we have is provided by God.
Contemplations
- What are the key sources of hope in your life, and how do they influence your daily actions and decisions?
- Ideas to Explore: Faith and Spirituality; Relationships; Personal Goals and Aspirations; Nature and the Environment; Acts of Kindness and Compassion; Resilience and Overcoming Challenges; Learning and Growth; Positive Role Models; Creative Expression; and Health and Well-being.
- Can you recall a time when hope helped you overcome a significant challenge? How did that experience shape your perspective on life?
- Ideas to Explore: Does it draw you closer to God?
- How do you handle situations where your hopes and expectations are not met?
- Ideas to Explore: Anger; jealousy; despair; seeking a closer relationship with God?
- How do you support and encourage hope and contentment in the lives of those around you?
- Ideas to Explore: Is your support part of your life’s testimony? Are you service-oriented? Are you a good listener?
- What lessons have you learned about hope and contentment from the stories and experiences of others?
- Ideas to Explore: Reflect on those people who have helped you overcome great challenges. What about them was different?
- 1NIV New International Version Translation