Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6
It is hard to be content if we are constantly waiting for something better to come along. As we were waiting for our home to be rebuilt we looked forward to moving back in once it was completed. All imperfections in that home were burned in the fire, along with all of the wonderful things we loved about our home, and the things we accumulated over the years.
In the meantime, we lived in a rental home with rented furniture. We were grateful that the insurance company paid for these things. Even so, I struggled with being content in our temporary living quarters. There was nothing wrong with the rented housing, it just wasn’t ours. We know it was temporary. We longed for the day when we returned to our rebuilt home, and to be back with our neighbors we missed and love.
As we waited, we found contentment in the things God blessed us with. Loving family, friends and neighbors. A comfortable home close to where we need to be. He provided our clothing, food, and essentials. And He kept us comforted by the power of His Holy Spirit.
Due to this experience, I have a much looser grip on the things of the earth. I look at them the same way I looked at that rental house, a temporary dwelling while I wait for the dwelling that is to come. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us. I believe Him, and I look forward to the day when we will be moving there! In the meantime, as we cling to Him, and are grateful for the things He has provided for us, we find contentment and peace amidst the chaos going on in the world today.