How do we find a place of contentment and peace in a world that promotes never having enough and that is in a state of instability and chaos? It is through Jesus Christ. And while it is definitely easier said than done, we should be encouraged that as long as we are seeking the Lord with all of our hearts, then we will have all the spiritual blessings that are talked about in Ephesians 1:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
(Ephesians 1:3 - KJV)

Do you realize the implications of what Paul wrote to the Ephesians here? He is saying that if we are believers in Jesus Christ, then we have access to these spiritual blessings. And the spiritual blessings deal with the inner man because we know that the outer man (flesh) and the things of this world will not last forever. And that’s a key. We must accept and embrace that the things of this world will not last. While we have eternal life in Jesus Christ, this existence that we now are living out is only temporary.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
(1 John 2:15-17 - KJV)

These words by John are pointed out by a man who was not hanging on to this life or the things of this life as his god. Yet the world does this and there are professing believers that fall into the same trap because of their love for money, power, possessions and even family above the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. We must understand that we can not be equally yoked to the world and its ways. We are the “called out ones” in Jesus Christ and it is important that our lives reflect that. Because if they don’t , then we will not have God’s protection from the snare of Satan, our flesh and the ways of the world.

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
(2 Peter 2:1-3 - NKJV)

If you haven’t taken notice, please understand this and use your Bible to compare what you see, hear and experience in your institutional church and what really is the truth. Many of the institutional churches have been infected with the ways of the world and this is why we see the merchandising and exploitation of people within these organizations. And guess what? Many in the world do not want to have anything to do with Jesus because of what these institutions are doing. Many in those institutions don’t want to speak up because either they are enjoying being deceived or are too afraid to say anything.

Where is your focus today? Is it on the things of this world and of this life? Is it on the things of the church institution? Or is it on Jesus Christ and Him alone. In no way am I saying that we can’t enjoy the great things that God has blessed us with but are they getting in the way of our walk with Jesus Christ? Because remember, at the end of the day, it comes down to us individually and Christ when we stand before Him to give an account of our time here on earth.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
(Philippians 2:12-16 - NASB)

Are you working out your own salvation or are you trying to have others work it out for you? Working out our own salvation is our responsibility and means that we must have our own walk with Christ. The spiritual blessings that God wants to place into your life are meant to be directly from Him just like the work that is being done in our lives is directly being done by His Spirit. We must know the Lord for ourselves and we also need to know the scriptures for ourselves as we take this journey of faith. There’s too many snares, too many traps and too many ways to be deceived in this world. Be ready and if you’re not ready, get ready by repenting of whatever you need to repent and taking a more serious approach to your faith.

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
(John 17:14-17 - KJV)

Know your scriptures brothers and sisters. Because many of the deceptions in the world that are unsanctifying people are from misinterpretations and corruption of the scriptures. Do not be deceived. And it isn’t just about reading the scriptures, it is also about living them out in our lives. As the world continues in its way, stay focused on Christ so that you do not lose heart because remember He said that He has overcome the world.

So then, how do we reach contentment if our lives are in order with the Lord? By continuing being thankful for every thing that God has done, is doing and will do for you as a believer in His Son Jesus.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:4-9 - ESV)

This advice from Paul comes from one who was able to find a reason to rejoice in any situation. Remember when he and Silas were jailed in the Book of Acts and how they were singing praises to God instead of sulking? Brothers and sisters, no matter what your situation is, choose to rejoice and be thankful to God. This puts our minds and hearts in the right place. Then, we need to come to God in prayer when something is bothering us or we are going through a stressful time. And after we pray, focus your thoughts on good things and continue to live our your life as a faithful believer as the Lord walks with you the entire way.

There are many out there that falsely prophesy that everybody within their institution will have a year of prosperity, increase and elevation. But I will not tell you that. Some of you will be tested in your faith this year more than you ever have. Some of you may lose your life on account for Christ. Some of you may lose your job and some of you may lose your homes. This year, according to your life in this world, may go well and may not. But no matter what your situation is, continue to focus on Jesus for this is the way to true contentment and peace.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:11-13 - ESV)

If Paul could learn how to be content in any and every situation, then we can as well because the same Jesus that was working in Him is also working in us. The key is to continue focusing on Jesus and to constantly have a heart of thanksgiving. By doing this, we will resist the temptation to make something other than God our god and we will avoid being snared into the trap of Satan because of ungratefulness. Remember, the world can’t get enough, but Jesus fills our hunger and quenches our thirst. The world’s gods can never provide for or protect us but our God can.

Continue to walk with the Lord and you will have always have contentment and peace because it is in Him who is everlasting.