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The Power of Christian Contentment: Finding Deeper, Richer Christ-Centered Joy
It may surprise modern Christians that our current problems with discontentedness are anything but new. In 1643, Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs wrote a work titled "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" that has as much resonance in our day as it did in his. Now pastor and author Andrew M. Davis helps contemporary Christians rediscover the remarkable truths found in this largely forgotten work.With powerful new illustrations and a keen sense of all that makes modern Christians restless, Davis challenges readers to confront the sources of discontent in their lives and embrace Paul's teaching on contentment in all circumstances. He gives special attention to maintaining contentment through poverty and prosperity, as well as in our marriages, and offers tips on teaching children how to be content in an age of smartphones and social media.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2019
212 people are currently reading
1385 people want to read
About the author
Andrew M. Davis
35 books51 followersAndrew M. Davis is pastor of First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, and a visiting professor of church history at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chairman of the governance committee of the Gospel Coalition, Davis has written articles for TGC's popular website and has spoken in plenary and breakout sessions at TGC's national conference. He is the author of An Infinite Journey, named by Tim Challies as one of the top ten books of 2014.
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March 26, 2019
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs was first published in 1648. It is an amazing book but very hard to get through. I know. I've tried. Davis has essentially taken Burroughs' thoughts and interpreted them for our generation. He has done an excellent job, producing a very readable and very convicting book.
Davis's thesis for this book, he writes, is that Christian contentment “is finding delight in God's wise plan for my life and humbly allowing him to direct me in it.” (153/2754) Contentment is the mark of a fully mature Christian, he says. Why strive toward contentment? First of all, we are commanded to do so. (Heb. 13:5) And, says Davis, we will be more joyful, God will receive more glory, and we will be an inspiration to others.
Davis helps us understand how we learn contentment - and it is something that can be learned. It is not a spiritual gift that comes with salvation. Paul learned the secret of it and so can we. (Phil. 4:12) It is a work of grace through faith, Davis says. There is a mystery to it though, having complete satisfaction in the world while having dissatisfaction with the world.
I really like how Davis explains contentment as a mindset, a way of looking at everything, recognizing God's sovereignty over all of our lives. It includes the good times and the painful ones. Maintaining contentment in painful times is difficult and Davis provides a practical strategy for doing so. Part of that strategy: “We must conquer the natural desire for a painless life if we are going to grow in contentment ...” (1217/2754) Davis adds an area of contentment Burroughs did not consider, being content in prosperity.
I found this book to be a very practical and convicting one. Davis's comments on gratitude and complaining cut to the heart. Perhaps that is because contentment is a heart issue. And it is hard. “Christian contentment will not come easily. You will need to focus your soul on it, moment after moment, for the rest of your life.” (2218/2754)
I high recommend this book to Christians ready to obey the command to be content and follow the examples of Paul and Christ. You will receive very good teaching and practical strategy for doing so. As Davis says, it is worth pursuing this rarest of jewels.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Davis's thesis for this book, he writes, is that Christian contentment “is finding delight in God's wise plan for my life and humbly allowing him to direct me in it.” (153/2754) Contentment is the mark of a fully mature Christian, he says. Why strive toward contentment? First of all, we are commanded to do so. (Heb. 13:5) And, says Davis, we will be more joyful, God will receive more glory, and we will be an inspiration to others.
Davis helps us understand how we learn contentment - and it is something that can be learned. It is not a spiritual gift that comes with salvation. Paul learned the secret of it and so can we. (Phil. 4:12) It is a work of grace through faith, Davis says. There is a mystery to it though, having complete satisfaction in the world while having dissatisfaction with the world.
I really like how Davis explains contentment as a mindset, a way of looking at everything, recognizing God's sovereignty over all of our lives. It includes the good times and the painful ones. Maintaining contentment in painful times is difficult and Davis provides a practical strategy for doing so. Part of that strategy: “We must conquer the natural desire for a painless life if we are going to grow in contentment ...” (1217/2754) Davis adds an area of contentment Burroughs did not consider, being content in prosperity.
I found this book to be a very practical and convicting one. Davis's comments on gratitude and complaining cut to the heart. Perhaps that is because contentment is a heart issue. And it is hard. “Christian contentment will not come easily. You will need to focus your soul on it, moment after moment, for the rest of your life.” (2218/2754)
I high recommend this book to Christians ready to obey the command to be content and follow the examples of Paul and Christ. You will receive very good teaching and practical strategy for doing so. As Davis says, it is worth pursuing this rarest of jewels.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 1, 2024
(4.5/5) Andy Davis is quickly becoming one of my favorite Christian authors. He is always clear, concise, and brilliant in his writing and illustrations. Very helpful read for all Christians. A great devotional to pair with your daily Bible readings.
May 4, 2024
One of my favorite Christian books so far!
As far as the content— This book was so convicting and has helped me to see a lot of areas in my life that I am discontent/complaining. I like how it goes through how full your life can be when putting your hope in Christ and not letting circumstances affect your joy while also showing what can happen when we aren’t doing this daily.
As far as the structure/writing —I liked how the book was broken into sections (ex: the value of contentment, contentment in prosperity, prosperity in suffering.) There was an adequate amount of scripture referenced and also other theologians and scholars but not overly so. There was also just the right amount of stories and analogies to help demonstrate concepts.
Would highly recommend!!
As far as the content— This book was so convicting and has helped me to see a lot of areas in my life that I am discontent/complaining. I like how it goes through how full your life can be when putting your hope in Christ and not letting circumstances affect your joy while also showing what can happen when we aren’t doing this daily.
As far as the structure/writing —I liked how the book was broken into sections (ex: the value of contentment, contentment in prosperity, prosperity in suffering.) There was an adequate amount of scripture referenced and also other theologians and scholars but not overly so. There was also just the right amount of stories and analogies to help demonstrate concepts.
Would highly recommend!!
February 9, 2024
super christ centered with many scripture references throughout. featuring lots of highlights and snippets from jeremiah burroughs’s “the rare jewel of christian contentment.” would recommend for all believers, especially if you are struggling with discontentment/grumbling and are in need of an honest reality check.
March 28, 2022
Quite ironic but I'm fairly discontent with this read....
June 18, 2019
Summary: A biblical study of Christian contentment, exploring in what it consists, how it may be found and learned, the great value of contentment, and how contentment is sustained in one's life.
It seems that a characteristic of the modern condition is restlessness--a relentless dissatisfaction with one's circumstances. More is better, or in the words of a cell phone carrier's ad a few years ago, bigger is better. We never have "enough."
Contentment seems like a strange idea and yet for generations of Christians, one of the marks of the depth of one's relationship with Christ was contentment. In 1643, a Puritan pastor, Jeremiah Burroughs penned what became a Puritan classic, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. In this book, Andrew M. Davis draws upon both scripture and this classic in a contemporary exploration of this classic Christian quality.
After reflecting on our contemporary discontents and the profound contentment that the apostle found in Christ, a contentment that brought him strength in weakness, Davis reminds us that contentment is commanded (Hebrews 13:5) and draws upon Burroughs for a definition of contentment:
"Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition."
He parses out this definition word by word, noting the mindset, and our submission to God's decisions. He then proceeds to show how contentment is rooted in a trust in the providence of God. He describes the "mysterious mindset" of contentment that is both completely satisfied in the world while completely dissatisfied with it, a paradoxical mindset that can embrace suffering with joy. In our quest to find and learn contentment, he directs us to the teaching of Jesus: his example, God-centeredness, atonement, resurrection, the access he has won for us, his presence, his demands,, the worth of the kingdom, and the defeat of our fear and anxiety.
Contentment is of great value. It fits us to worship more excellently, is central to all the fruit of the Spirit, prepares us to receive grace, prepares us to serve, enables us to resist temptation and comforts us with our unseen hope. By contrast (and this was a challenging chapter), Davis explores the evil and excuses of a complaining heart. The excuses are particularly convicting: "I'm just venting"; "God has abandoned me"; "You don't know..."; "I never expected this"; "You've never experienced what I'm going through"; "I don't deserve this"; and "I admit I'm complaining...but I can't help myself."
He explores the contours of contentment in suffering and how we find contentment in suffering by asking for wisdom, resting in God's goodness, expecting suffering, acknowledging our limited perspective, accepting that suffering can sanctify, anticipating our eternal glory, and sharing hope. He then shares a Puritan example, Sarah Edwards, and two contemporary ones. In the following chapter, he discusses what may be even more difficult, to be content in seasons of prosperity. He challenges our lack of generosity without calling us to asceticism, but rather commending the enjoyment of goods and knowing when to say "enough" and to realize the fleeting nature of wealth.
His final section is devoted to staying content. He draws an important distinction between contentment and complacency. Contentment can be zealous for God's kingdom and is not complacent about hell. The last chapter talks about very practical practices to protect our contentment.
What is striking to me in all this is that contentment is not attained by a passive "chilling out" but by the active pursuit of Christ and the active forsaking of things that undermine our contentment. Contentment is not about having all the conditions of our lives just right. Paul is content in any and all circumstances because he "can do all things through Christ." Contentment is far from settling for less. It is realizing that in Christ, we already have everything that matters, something that makes us bold and passionate for the things of God, because we have nothing either to fear or lose.
This is so different from all the positive thinking, best-life-now books on the market. These feed on discontentment rather than lead us to true contentment. My biggest beef with them is that their vision is too small. Davis offers us the expansive vision of a provident God who meets us in both plenty and want, offering us the sufficiency of the work of Christ, and our ultimate hope of glory. As Burroughs says, this is the jewel, worth exchanging everything else to obtain.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
It seems that a characteristic of the modern condition is restlessness--a relentless dissatisfaction with one's circumstances. More is better, or in the words of a cell phone carrier's ad a few years ago, bigger is better. We never have "enough."
Contentment seems like a strange idea and yet for generations of Christians, one of the marks of the depth of one's relationship with Christ was contentment. In 1643, a Puritan pastor, Jeremiah Burroughs penned what became a Puritan classic, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. In this book, Andrew M. Davis draws upon both scripture and this classic in a contemporary exploration of this classic Christian quality.
After reflecting on our contemporary discontents and the profound contentment that the apostle found in Christ, a contentment that brought him strength in weakness, Davis reminds us that contentment is commanded (Hebrews 13:5) and draws upon Burroughs for a definition of contentment:
"Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition."
He parses out this definition word by word, noting the mindset, and our submission to God's decisions. He then proceeds to show how contentment is rooted in a trust in the providence of God. He describes the "mysterious mindset" of contentment that is both completely satisfied in the world while completely dissatisfied with it, a paradoxical mindset that can embrace suffering with joy. In our quest to find and learn contentment, he directs us to the teaching of Jesus: his example, God-centeredness, atonement, resurrection, the access he has won for us, his presence, his demands,, the worth of the kingdom, and the defeat of our fear and anxiety.
Contentment is of great value. It fits us to worship more excellently, is central to all the fruit of the Spirit, prepares us to receive grace, prepares us to serve, enables us to resist temptation and comforts us with our unseen hope. By contrast (and this was a challenging chapter), Davis explores the evil and excuses of a complaining heart. The excuses are particularly convicting: "I'm just venting"; "God has abandoned me"; "You don't know..."; "I never expected this"; "You've never experienced what I'm going through"; "I don't deserve this"; and "I admit I'm complaining...but I can't help myself."
He explores the contours of contentment in suffering and how we find contentment in suffering by asking for wisdom, resting in God's goodness, expecting suffering, acknowledging our limited perspective, accepting that suffering can sanctify, anticipating our eternal glory, and sharing hope. He then shares a Puritan example, Sarah Edwards, and two contemporary ones. In the following chapter, he discusses what may be even more difficult, to be content in seasons of prosperity. He challenges our lack of generosity without calling us to asceticism, but rather commending the enjoyment of goods and knowing when to say "enough" and to realize the fleeting nature of wealth.
His final section is devoted to staying content. He draws an important distinction between contentment and complacency. Contentment can be zealous for God's kingdom and is not complacent about hell. The last chapter talks about very practical practices to protect our contentment.
What is striking to me in all this is that contentment is not attained by a passive "chilling out" but by the active pursuit of Christ and the active forsaking of things that undermine our contentment. Contentment is not about having all the conditions of our lives just right. Paul is content in any and all circumstances because he "can do all things through Christ." Contentment is far from settling for less. It is realizing that in Christ, we already have everything that matters, something that makes us bold and passionate for the things of God, because we have nothing either to fear or lose.
This is so different from all the positive thinking, best-life-now books on the market. These feed on discontentment rather than lead us to true contentment. My biggest beef with them is that their vision is too small. Davis offers us the expansive vision of a provident God who meets us in both plenty and want, offering us the sufficiency of the work of Christ, and our ultimate hope of glory. As Burroughs says, this is the jewel, worth exchanging everything else to obtain.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 22, 2025
i read this for bible study but overall it was a timely reminder about the richness of contentment and conversely the danger of discontentment. specifically, i really needed to be reminded that:
1. contentment is a humble state; conversely, discontentment is a prideful state. to elaborate -
- contentment is full trust in our perfectly good, wise, and powerful God (and NOT relying anything the world or myself can provide)
- discontentment accuses God of not giving "enough" – and what a shameful claim this is when you simply consider the person and work of Christ
2. God wants us to be content – which means we are free to run to him in prayer in any moment we are tempted to grumble and complain.
1. contentment is a humble state; conversely, discontentment is a prideful state. to elaborate -
- contentment is full trust in our perfectly good, wise, and powerful God (and NOT relying anything the world or myself can provide)
- discontentment accuses God of not giving "enough" – and what a shameful claim this is when you simply consider the person and work of Christ
2. God wants us to be content – which means we are free to run to him in prayer in any moment we are tempted to grumble and complain.
April 30, 2019
This was such a great read. The author did a great job in pulling out the biblical principles that Jeremiah Burroughs wrote about in his book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, and laid them out in an engaging, practical way for today's readers. Really good book.
I had never heard of this author before reading his book, and I am not even sure how I heard of this book... maybe I read about it on Tim Challies' blog?
I had never heard of this author before reading his book, and I am not even sure how I heard of this book... maybe I read about it on Tim Challies' blog?
May 14, 2025
Takes the deep truths from Borough’s “the rare jewel of Christian contentment” and shares it in modern English. I found it very clear and understandable, yet full of rich truth. Worth reading just to spend time reflecting on the many ways God has shown me His kindness!
December 20, 2022
Wow what a great book.
June 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 26, 2019
Inspired by the religious text The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment written by Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs in 1643 (published posthumously), Andrew Davis rolls out this new book as a platform to share his own thoughts on the subject of overall life contentment.
An NC pastor and theology professor himself, Andrew Davis references portions of Burroughs' text to illustrate how the struggle with discontentment is still very much alive in present day, afflicting Christians and non-Christians alike. Davis points out how even with all the modern advancements in technology, science, medicine, arts and literature, all of it... humans collectively still seem to struggle to find satisfaction with their lives. Some might argue that if anything we might be more miserable than ever. There's a noticeable hike in various mental illness diagnoses. Advances in technology (especially when it comes to smartphones) has made us more immediately aware of daily stories of suffering all over the world. So many out there struggle with anxiety surrounding the feeling that their life lacks true meaning or purpose. So what can we do about it?
Davis offers a number of pointers on how to approach and tackle general discontentment in one's life. Just a few:
Develop an appreciation for quiet, slow moments.
Don't feel the need to fill every silence.
Intentionally "seek out avenues of service that are thankless."
Offer help to the disabled, elderly, sick or dying.
Offer comfort to the bereaved.
If you come into an unexpected financial windfall,
"share more than ever"
Limit internet time. Instead, seek out books on the subject
of contentment to keep you motivated / inspired.
Remember, this is a lifetime process.
In a nutshell, Davis' stance on the subject of contentment boils down to 1) living a life that is not financially or otherwise materialistically driven 2) developing a cheerful demeanor, or at least a generally positive mindset in the face of struggle or disappointment 3) acceptance of the concept "His ways are not our ways", allowing things to happen on God's time, trusting his methods.
A couple of his points I didn't entirely agree on:
"Christian contentment is not rebellious." -- I don't know, I personally think a little rebellion can be a healthy thing sometimes. I know plenty of happy rebels. Hehe.
"Christian contentment is not a stoic acceptance of hardships in the world, as though we are denying that we are in pain or that anything could be done about it." --- Okay, well I'd argue that a certain level of contentment CAN come from "stoic acceptance". Also, acceptance ≠ denial. Not necessarily.
When it comes to supporting texts to back up his talking points, Davis does pull primarily from the Bible itself, namely from the story of Paul. However, he also uses select passages from classics such as A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce, Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne, and Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.
Davis's choices for biblical text support are well thought out, but I had hoped to see a stronger presence of more tangible, modern examples of people who had successfully discovered and maintained lifelong contentment in the face of persistent strife. Modern examples are offered within this text, but they are few and far between and not as impactful as I was hoping for.
Though he makes some fair points, and adds in some interesting historical tidbits along the way, the overall reading experience of the text was a bit of a chore. Some of Davis' metaphors landed somewhat awkwardly and the writing style was, for the most part, awfully dry. There's definitely a heavy academic tone. In fact, much of this book read more like a college paper than a nonfiction book by someone with years of experience in the field. In the first chapter he even uses the exact words "my thesis is _________, my goal is ______________". So the reading of this work most certainly has its educational opportunities, but for the average reader I suspect it'll come off a bit of a bore, at least in parts.
FTC DISCLAIMER: Baker Books kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
An NC pastor and theology professor himself, Andrew Davis references portions of Burroughs' text to illustrate how the struggle with discontentment is still very much alive in present day, afflicting Christians and non-Christians alike. Davis points out how even with all the modern advancements in technology, science, medicine, arts and literature, all of it... humans collectively still seem to struggle to find satisfaction with their lives. Some might argue that if anything we might be more miserable than ever. There's a noticeable hike in various mental illness diagnoses. Advances in technology (especially when it comes to smartphones) has made us more immediately aware of daily stories of suffering all over the world. So many out there struggle with anxiety surrounding the feeling that their life lacks true meaning or purpose. So what can we do about it?
Davis offers a number of pointers on how to approach and tackle general discontentment in one's life. Just a few:
Develop an appreciation for quiet, slow moments.
Don't feel the need to fill every silence.
Intentionally "seek out avenues of service that are thankless."
Offer help to the disabled, elderly, sick or dying.
Offer comfort to the bereaved.
If you come into an unexpected financial windfall,
"share more than ever"
Limit internet time. Instead, seek out books on the subject
of contentment to keep you motivated / inspired.
Remember, this is a lifetime process.
In a nutshell, Davis' stance on the subject of contentment boils down to 1) living a life that is not financially or otherwise materialistically driven 2) developing a cheerful demeanor, or at least a generally positive mindset in the face of struggle or disappointment 3) acceptance of the concept "His ways are not our ways", allowing things to happen on God's time, trusting his methods.
A couple of his points I didn't entirely agree on:
"Christian contentment is not rebellious." -- I don't know, I personally think a little rebellion can be a healthy thing sometimes. I know plenty of happy rebels. Hehe.
"Christian contentment is not a stoic acceptance of hardships in the world, as though we are denying that we are in pain or that anything could be done about it." --- Okay, well I'd argue that a certain level of contentment CAN come from "stoic acceptance". Also, acceptance ≠ denial. Not necessarily.
When it comes to supporting texts to back up his talking points, Davis does pull primarily from the Bible itself, namely from the story of Paul. However, he also uses select passages from classics such as A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce, Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne, and Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.
Davis's choices for biblical text support are well thought out, but I had hoped to see a stronger presence of more tangible, modern examples of people who had successfully discovered and maintained lifelong contentment in the face of persistent strife. Modern examples are offered within this text, but they are few and far between and not as impactful as I was hoping for.
Though he makes some fair points, and adds in some interesting historical tidbits along the way, the overall reading experience of the text was a bit of a chore. Some of Davis' metaphors landed somewhat awkwardly and the writing style was, for the most part, awfully dry. There's definitely a heavy academic tone. In fact, much of this book read more like a college paper than a nonfiction book by someone with years of experience in the field. In the first chapter he even uses the exact words "my thesis is _________, my goal is ______________". So the reading of this work most certainly has its educational opportunities, but for the average reader I suspect it'll come off a bit of a bore, at least in parts.
FTC DISCLAIMER: Baker Books kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
March 2, 2021
So far this book has been my favorite read for 2021. Contentment tends to be a topic we avoid in Christianity, and yet Davis does a great job of tying in the Puritan Burroughs thoughts to a modern day audience. This is a must read for every Christian desiring to not only obey to God's choices for their life but also find delight in them. I will leave this review with a convicting quote found in chapter 3.
"Has Christ, crucified and resurrected on your behalf, done enough to make you content today . . . or must he do a little more?"
"Has Christ, crucified and resurrected on your behalf, done enough to make you content today . . . or must he do a little more?"
May 31, 2020
I’ve long been a fan of the life changing book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, by Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs. This book, by Andrew Davis, is a modern day look at Burroughs’ work, with insight, encouragement, and great ways to implement this into your own life. While I try to read Burroughs’ book every year or so, I will add this book to that same schedule. Excellent reading for all Christians!
July 23, 2022
This book was heavily influenced by Jeremiah Burroughs book “the rare jewel of Christian contentment.” It was a great, modern version of that Puritan book. The book is very practical but also goes in depth of Philippians 4 when Paul talks about learning the secret of contentment.
#1 take away: our contentment as Christian’s is rooted and grounded in Gods sovereignty over all creation, and his deep care for his children.
#1 take away: our contentment as Christian’s is rooted and grounded in Gods sovereignty over all creation, and his deep care for his children.
April 8, 2025
Preached on contentment last week and sadly I had only read half this book. But the part I read did a lot to help me understand the Biblical model. Davis uses Burroughs’ book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment as a starting place and then brings it forward into 2025. And he does a great job with it.
February 12, 2024
This book is one of the ones you read continuously throughout your life to remind you of the priorities. I will probably never be able to say I have learned the secret to being content— but I do strive to be a content human in this lifetime.
July 16, 2020
Contentment is one of those topics that doesn't get nearly enough airtime in the church, but it is so important! This book covers the topic well and is filled with fascinating illustrations and examples. It is a reworking of Jeremiah Borroughs's Puritan classic, "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment." I kind of liked Burroughs better, but I would recommend this book over Burroughs to most people for the sake of readability and its modern-day applications.
November 10, 2022
a challenging & encouraging read that i needed! one i’ll benefit from re-reading!
November 11, 2025
Very solid and helpful, even though I find reading a book that is derived from another book (Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Burroughs), a little....well...derivative.
July 23, 2025
Such a good book! Will be a book I come back to over and over.
July 30, 2019
The Power of Christian Contentment – Finding Deeper, Richer Christ-Centered Joy de Andrew Davis tem como base The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment de Jeremiah Burroughs e versa sobre contentamento/satisfação.
O livro está dividido em quatro partes:
1) o segredo do contentamento;
2) como encontrar contentamento;
3) o valor do contentamento;
4) mantendo o contentamento.
Antes, durante e depois da leitura do livro houve um corinho que me veio à mente diversas vezes, apesar de sentir que o conteúdo do livro é mais profundo do que as quatro estrofes relembradas.
Satisfação é ter a Cristo
Não há melhor prazer já visto
Sou de Jesus e agora eu sinto
Satisfação sem fim
Satisfação é nova vida
Eu com Jesus em alegria
Sempre cantando a melodia
Satisfação sem fim
Sim, paz real
Sim, gozo na aflição
Achei o segredo
É Cristo no coração
Satisfação é não ter medo
Pois meu Jesus, virá bem cedo
Logo, em glória, eu hei de vê-lo
Satisfação sem fim
Sendo um livro que tem como base uma obra puritana, o autor apresenta diversas listas ou pontos práticos para "levar a água ao nosso moinho", à semelhança dos puritanos o objectivo é não só apresentar algumas doutrinas, mas também mostrar o aspecto prático delas e a forma como as posso colocar em prática diariamente, i.e., da mente (compreensão) ao coração (afeições) e deste para a acção.
Na primeira parte, o autor defende que o mundo é marcado pelo descontentamento (as pessoas nunca estão verdadeiramente satisfeitas) e que o plano divino para os Cristãos passa muitas vezes pela existência de provações e por contentamento em Deus nestas ou apesar destas.
“Yet despite the value of this rich, full, continual contentment, and despite the fact that it is possible for every Christian in the world to experience it, this exquisite jewel is rare in our own lives. And how desperately the unsaved world needs Cristians to discover it.” p.14
Davis vai mais fundo, se o descontentamento de descrentes não surpreenderá cristãos, “the great tragedy is that so often we don´t really seem to live much differently. Many Christians hardly ever experience the daily foretaste of heaven that the Holy Spirit lives within us provide.” p.15
"Many Christians have such discontent lives that they are never asked by any of the similarly discontent unbelievers surrounding them to give a reason for the hope that they have (I Pd. 3:15), because they don´t evidently have any hope.” p.16
Acusei a pancada, lembrei-me de amigos descrentes em acampamentos estranharem alguns dos paradoxos cristãos, gozando com eles ou demonstrando estranheza por aceitarmos determinadas lógicas.
Que diga o fraco forte sou
Diga o pobre rico estou
Por aquilo que Ele fez por nós.
Perceber que alguns notam esta pseudo-esquizofrenia nos que acreditam em Deus esbarra de frente com a acusação do autor de que não estaremos a viver uma vida satisfeita, antes pelo contrário, a vida de alguns de nós é pouco diferente da daqueles que não foram salvos por Cristo. Que frutos tem dado a minha vida, não deveria colocar o adjectivo à frente, mas lá vai, cristã? Encontro verdadeira satisfação em Cristo, ou cantarolo somente as mesmas linhas do cântico acima referido? Posso convencer alguém somente com base no que acredito, sem o praticar?
O que é, então, contentamento?
A definição, baseada em Burroughs, é a de encontrar prazer no plano sábio de Deus para a minha vida e humildemente deixar que Ele me dirija nela, de modo que Deus seja glorificado diariamente na minha vida, para que eu seja mais alegre e fonte de salvação para outros através do contentamento mostrado. Estes são dois dos pontos mais repetidos (e relevantes para mim) ao longo o livro, contentamento tem tudo a ver com providência e uma vida satisfeita (o contentamento cristão) serve de exemplo para os que estão à minha volta.
O segundo capítulo foca o ensino de Paulo acerca do contentamento, nomeadamente com base em Filipenses 2: 12-16.
“As despairing lost people look on and see a buoyant peace and joy that is not based on favorable earthly circumstances but rather on faith in Christ, they will ask “you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Pd3:15). That hope shines most brilliantly when earthly circumstances are darkest, and the rare jewel of Christian contentment is a radiant source of that light.” p.25
“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God alone.”
C.S. Lewis
“If we embrace that we have within our relationship with Christ everything we need for peace and joy at every single moment of our brief span here on earth, imagine how free we would be, in all our relationships, from self-giving clinginess or desperation.” p.33
O meu relacionamento com Cristo é vivo e satisfatório no sentido de me contentar? Já passei da compreensão da verdade para a transformação das minhas afeições e para a prática e acção?
Na segunda parte, a definição de contentamento cristão é aprofundada, este é uma obra da salvação contínua pela graça através da fé, “é um milagre da graça soberana agindo com uma alma regenerada. Deus terá a glória, nós a alegria.” p. 45
Davis explica ponto a ponto a definição de Burroughs,
“Christian Contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit which freely submits to and delights in God´s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.”
Assim, o contentamento é uma atitude/disposição/mentalidade não amarga, não rebelde, trabalhada sobrenaturalmente pelo Espírito Santo em nós; que descansa na soberania e providência de Deus para connosco; que se submete de livre vontade. No entanto, vez após vez há o aviso de que o cristão deve ter um sentido apropriado de aflição e que deve colocar perante Deus as suas provações e aflições (I Pd.5:7; Sl. 10:1). O Cristão não é um estóico, a Bíblia dá-nos exemplos suficientes de orações a pedir libertação das provações para que o possamos e devamos fazer.
Duas ideias importantes, o contentamento cristão é encontrar prazer no plano sábio de Deus para a minha vida e é importante compreender a união entre contentamento e providência. Ou seja Deus reina sobre todas as ocorrências de forma a salvar e santificar almas, isso faz com que eu procure encontrar, ou pelos menos perceber que existe, um propósito sábio e amoroso em tudo o que me acontece. Contentamento é compreender que Deus é soberano, que nenhum dos Seus planos é frustrado, que todas as coisas contribuem para o bem daqueles que O amam, se Deus não joga dados com o universo, então Ele está no controlo da coisa e esse controlo tem em vista um povo resgatado e a Sua glória.
7 aspectos da mentalidade satisfeita
1) A satisfação do cristão nas piores circunstâncias anda de mãos dadas com uma necessária insatisfação com o mundo;
2) A aritmética divina consiste em tornar-nos satisfeitos em Cristo subtraindo dos nossos desejos (I Tim. 6:10, Sl. 37:4);
3) Reconhecer o castigo justo que o nosso pecado merece;
4) O contentamento em toda e qualquer circunstância é aprendido na escola do sofrimento. II Cor. 11:23-28;
5) Agir no aqui e agora, se Deus me colocou num determinado tempo e espaço é neles que devo agir (Mt. 5:14-16; Ef. 2:10);
6) Somos criaturas divididas: novas criaturas (II Cor. 5:17), mas o pecado ainda mora em nós (Rom. 7:17, 21-24; Gal. 5:17), isso faz com que a mortificação do pecado seja uma necessidade;
7) Viver a vida que é um sopro esperando a eternidade com Cristo.
Depois de Paulo, Davis foca-se em Cristo como nosso exemplo de contentamento. Jesus ensina-nos contentamento pelo Seu exemplo (Fil. 2:6-7; II Cor. 5:21; Is. 53:5); pela forma como depende de Deus, como cumpriu o plano de Deus e tudo faz para a glória do Pai; pela Sua expiação; pela Sua ressurreição.
Se Cristo ministra contentamento pela Sua morte quanto mais pela Sua ressurreição? Se Jesus morto na cruz é um meio interminável de paz e alegria em quaisquer circunstâncias, quanto mais poder tem um Cristo vivo no céu para ministrar contentamento à Sua igreja em guerra?
Na parte três, é abordado o valor do contentamento.
O contentamento permite uma adoração mais excelente (Is. 43:6-7; Ef. 1:5-6).
"In active obedience, we worship God by doing what pleases God, but by passive obedience we worship God by being pleased with what God does." Jeremiah Burroughs
O contentamento redunda também numa compreensão mais profunda da vida cristã e de quem Deus é, a exaltação da total maturidade cristã vem após uma vida de humilhação quieta debaixo da sábia e paternal mão de Deus. Burroughs escolhe explicitar o carácter paternal de Deus em vez de o real, para que o seu leitor perceba que o Soberano do Universo estabeleceu uma relação filial com ele.
O contentamento faz-nos mais difíceis de ser tentados – descontentamento é um estado de mente instável, incansável, nervoso. Pessoas satisfeitas estão debaixo da mão de Deus, satisfeitas com as bençãos simples que Deus lhes tem dado. I Tim. 6:8
Nesta terceira parte também há lugar para meditar acerca da murmuração e do queixume, Burroughs escreveu que “há maior mal no hábito da murmuração do que aquele que percebemos haver.” p.109
A queixa é o contrário da adoração e louvor (I Pd. 2:9 e Tiago 3:10), queixa essa que revela a corrupção das nossas almas.
Burroughs continua, “As contentment reveals much grace in the soul, strong grace, beautiful grace, so murmuring reveals much corruption, strong corruption, vile corruptions in your heart.” p.111
Davis conclui que para a alma é pior a murmuração do que qualquer aflição, não há algo como uma pequena murmuração, o seu resultado já é mau o suficiente. Murmuração é rebeldia, é algo contrário à piedade.
Deste modo, a murmuração é definida como sendo oposta à obra da conversão operada pelo Espírito Santo. Deste modo, se a conversão revela a grandeza do meu pecado, bem como a grandeza de Cristo; se recusa os prazeres deste mundo por Cristo e mostra a necessidade de me entregar totalmente a Cristo; o murmúrio esquece a grandeza dos meus pecados; o quão majestoso e glorioso Cristo é, especialmente enquanto Salvador; o murmúrio esquece que nos entregamos totalmente a Cristo como nossa fonte de alegria; que nos submetemos a Ele como Rei.
Como já referi, Davis coloca muitas vezes a questão como uma questão de testemunho, aqui não foge à regra.
God has put us on display in front of everyone we know, but specially our spouse and our children. We can make life bitter for the person we embraced on our wedding day and strongly tempt that loving soul to discontentment as well. Not only that, but if you have children, think of them. They have been watching your example for years, quietly drinking in how to react to "any and every circumstance". When you complain, you are training them to follow your bad example. p.119
Se formos amargos e queixosos, por que é que alguém quereria ser como nós, pediria ou perguntaria a razão da esperança que há em nós? Mais fundo, que exemplo de satisfação tenho sido em casa, com os que me conhecem melhor?
Esta terceira parte termina com a análise do contentamento quer no sofrimento, quer na prosperidade.
A quarta parte do livro é sobre guardar o contentamento.
Ao concluir o livro, o autor repete uma última vez a ideia de que estar satisfeito não é o mesmo que ser complacente e que as disciplinas espirituais podem ser importantes na tarefa de ficar e continuar a ser satisfeito.
Neste caso, é importante o papel diário das disciplinas espirituais, a Palavra de Deus renova as nossas mentes diariamente e impede ou dificulta o descontentamento; devemos evitar ou odiar a murmuração, pedir para que Deus nos sonde, pedir contentamento em oração, prepararmo-nos para sermos sal e luz, perceber que é uma luta constante, viver coram Deo, em oração, agradecendo em todas as circunstâncias, mortificando o pecado, guardando a boca, exercitando a fé, decorando e meditando em versículos bíblicos.
Por outro lado, conhecer e estudar acerca de heróis da fé na história da igreja, orar e conhecer sobre a igreja perseguida e envolver-me com missões, envolver-me com ministérios que me “estiquem”, procurar servir onde não me agradeçam/passe despercebido, visitar os idosos, doentes e à beira da morte mudará também a forma como penso, como me vejo e ajudar-me-á a compreender a providência de Deus na minha vida, mas especialmente, na vida de outros. Quando perceber que Cristo morreu não somente por mim, mas por muitos mais, quando perceber o que tem feito na história e no mundo compreenderei melhor o Seu poder, a Sua acção, a Sua soberania e providência.
Finalmente, uma questão prática e que tem a ver com a pregação que ouvi ontem.
Viver em comunidade implica também prestar contas aos outros e pedir contas a outros, um confronto santo, afiar pedra com pedra, duas perguntas que posso fazer aos que comigo estão numa comunidade local:
1) Vês padrões regulares de descontentamento na minha vida?
2) Podes orar para que cresça no contentamento cristão em toda e qualquer circunstância?
E ter calma, porque o segredo do contentamento é perceber que se trata de uma corrida de longa distância, vai durar toda a vida.
O livro está dividido em quatro partes:
1) o segredo do contentamento;
2) como encontrar contentamento;
3) o valor do contentamento;
4) mantendo o contentamento.
Antes, durante e depois da leitura do livro houve um corinho que me veio à mente diversas vezes, apesar de sentir que o conteúdo do livro é mais profundo do que as quatro estrofes relembradas.
Satisfação é ter a Cristo
Não há melhor prazer já visto
Sou de Jesus e agora eu sinto
Satisfação sem fim
Satisfação é nova vida
Eu com Jesus em alegria
Sempre cantando a melodia
Satisfação sem fim
Sim, paz real
Sim, gozo na aflição
Achei o segredo
É Cristo no coração
Satisfação é não ter medo
Pois meu Jesus, virá bem cedo
Logo, em glória, eu hei de vê-lo
Satisfação sem fim
Sendo um livro que tem como base uma obra puritana, o autor apresenta diversas listas ou pontos práticos para "levar a água ao nosso moinho", à semelhança dos puritanos o objectivo é não só apresentar algumas doutrinas, mas também mostrar o aspecto prático delas e a forma como as posso colocar em prática diariamente, i.e., da mente (compreensão) ao coração (afeições) e deste para a acção.
Na primeira parte, o autor defende que o mundo é marcado pelo descontentamento (as pessoas nunca estão verdadeiramente satisfeitas) e que o plano divino para os Cristãos passa muitas vezes pela existência de provações e por contentamento em Deus nestas ou apesar destas.
“Yet despite the value of this rich, full, continual contentment, and despite the fact that it is possible for every Christian in the world to experience it, this exquisite jewel is rare in our own lives. And how desperately the unsaved world needs Cristians to discover it.” p.14
Davis vai mais fundo, se o descontentamento de descrentes não surpreenderá cristãos, “the great tragedy is that so often we don´t really seem to live much differently. Many Christians hardly ever experience the daily foretaste of heaven that the Holy Spirit lives within us provide.” p.15
"Many Christians have such discontent lives that they are never asked by any of the similarly discontent unbelievers surrounding them to give a reason for the hope that they have (I Pd. 3:15), because they don´t evidently have any hope.” p.16
Acusei a pancada, lembrei-me de amigos descrentes em acampamentos estranharem alguns dos paradoxos cristãos, gozando com eles ou demonstrando estranheza por aceitarmos determinadas lógicas.
Que diga o fraco forte sou
Diga o pobre rico estou
Por aquilo que Ele fez por nós.
Perceber que alguns notam esta pseudo-esquizofrenia nos que acreditam em Deus esbarra de frente com a acusação do autor de que não estaremos a viver uma vida satisfeita, antes pelo contrário, a vida de alguns de nós é pouco diferente da daqueles que não foram salvos por Cristo. Que frutos tem dado a minha vida, não deveria colocar o adjectivo à frente, mas lá vai, cristã? Encontro verdadeira satisfação em Cristo, ou cantarolo somente as mesmas linhas do cântico acima referido? Posso convencer alguém somente com base no que acredito, sem o praticar?
O que é, então, contentamento?
A definição, baseada em Burroughs, é a de encontrar prazer no plano sábio de Deus para a minha vida e humildemente deixar que Ele me dirija nela, de modo que Deus seja glorificado diariamente na minha vida, para que eu seja mais alegre e fonte de salvação para outros através do contentamento mostrado. Estes são dois dos pontos mais repetidos (e relevantes para mim) ao longo o livro, contentamento tem tudo a ver com providência e uma vida satisfeita (o contentamento cristão) serve de exemplo para os que estão à minha volta.
O segundo capítulo foca o ensino de Paulo acerca do contentamento, nomeadamente com base em Filipenses 2: 12-16.
“As despairing lost people look on and see a buoyant peace and joy that is not based on favorable earthly circumstances but rather on faith in Christ, they will ask “you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Pd3:15). That hope shines most brilliantly when earthly circumstances are darkest, and the rare jewel of Christian contentment is a radiant source of that light.” p.25
“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God alone.”
C.S. Lewis
“If we embrace that we have within our relationship with Christ everything we need for peace and joy at every single moment of our brief span here on earth, imagine how free we would be, in all our relationships, from self-giving clinginess or desperation.” p.33
O meu relacionamento com Cristo é vivo e satisfatório no sentido de me contentar? Já passei da compreensão da verdade para a transformação das minhas afeições e para a prática e acção?
Na segunda parte, a definição de contentamento cristão é aprofundada, este é uma obra da salvação contínua pela graça através da fé, “é um milagre da graça soberana agindo com uma alma regenerada. Deus terá a glória, nós a alegria.” p. 45
Davis explica ponto a ponto a definição de Burroughs,
“Christian Contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit which freely submits to and delights in God´s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.”
Assim, o contentamento é uma atitude/disposição/mentalidade não amarga, não rebelde, trabalhada sobrenaturalmente pelo Espírito Santo em nós; que descansa na soberania e providência de Deus para connosco; que se submete de livre vontade. No entanto, vez após vez há o aviso de que o cristão deve ter um sentido apropriado de aflição e que deve colocar perante Deus as suas provações e aflições (I Pd.5:7; Sl. 10:1). O Cristão não é um estóico, a Bíblia dá-nos exemplos suficientes de orações a pedir libertação das provações para que o possamos e devamos fazer.
Duas ideias importantes, o contentamento cristão é encontrar prazer no plano sábio de Deus para a minha vida e é importante compreender a união entre contentamento e providência. Ou seja Deus reina sobre todas as ocorrências de forma a salvar e santificar almas, isso faz com que eu procure encontrar, ou pelos menos perceber que existe, um propósito sábio e amoroso em tudo o que me acontece. Contentamento é compreender que Deus é soberano, que nenhum dos Seus planos é frustrado, que todas as coisas contribuem para o bem daqueles que O amam, se Deus não joga dados com o universo, então Ele está no controlo da coisa e esse controlo tem em vista um povo resgatado e a Sua glória.
7 aspectos da mentalidade satisfeita
1) A satisfação do cristão nas piores circunstâncias anda de mãos dadas com uma necessária insatisfação com o mundo;
2) A aritmética divina consiste em tornar-nos satisfeitos em Cristo subtraindo dos nossos desejos (I Tim. 6:10, Sl. 37:4);
3) Reconhecer o castigo justo que o nosso pecado merece;
4) O contentamento em toda e qualquer circunstância é aprendido na escola do sofrimento. II Cor. 11:23-28;
5) Agir no aqui e agora, se Deus me colocou num determinado tempo e espaço é neles que devo agir (Mt. 5:14-16; Ef. 2:10);
6) Somos criaturas divididas: novas criaturas (II Cor. 5:17), mas o pecado ainda mora em nós (Rom. 7:17, 21-24; Gal. 5:17), isso faz com que a mortificação do pecado seja uma necessidade;
7) Viver a vida que é um sopro esperando a eternidade com Cristo.
Depois de Paulo, Davis foca-se em Cristo como nosso exemplo de contentamento. Jesus ensina-nos contentamento pelo Seu exemplo (Fil. 2:6-7; II Cor. 5:21; Is. 53:5); pela forma como depende de Deus, como cumpriu o plano de Deus e tudo faz para a glória do Pai; pela Sua expiação; pela Sua ressurreição.
Se Cristo ministra contentamento pela Sua morte quanto mais pela Sua ressurreição? Se Jesus morto na cruz é um meio interminável de paz e alegria em quaisquer circunstâncias, quanto mais poder tem um Cristo vivo no céu para ministrar contentamento à Sua igreja em guerra?
Na parte três, é abordado o valor do contentamento.
O contentamento permite uma adoração mais excelente (Is. 43:6-7; Ef. 1:5-6).
"In active obedience, we worship God by doing what pleases God, but by passive obedience we worship God by being pleased with what God does." Jeremiah Burroughs
O contentamento redunda também numa compreensão mais profunda da vida cristã e de quem Deus é, a exaltação da total maturidade cristã vem após uma vida de humilhação quieta debaixo da sábia e paternal mão de Deus. Burroughs escolhe explicitar o carácter paternal de Deus em vez de o real, para que o seu leitor perceba que o Soberano do Universo estabeleceu uma relação filial com ele.
O contentamento faz-nos mais difíceis de ser tentados – descontentamento é um estado de mente instável, incansável, nervoso. Pessoas satisfeitas estão debaixo da mão de Deus, satisfeitas com as bençãos simples que Deus lhes tem dado. I Tim. 6:8
Nesta terceira parte também há lugar para meditar acerca da murmuração e do queixume, Burroughs escreveu que “há maior mal no hábito da murmuração do que aquele que percebemos haver.” p.109
A queixa é o contrário da adoração e louvor (I Pd. 2:9 e Tiago 3:10), queixa essa que revela a corrupção das nossas almas.
Burroughs continua, “As contentment reveals much grace in the soul, strong grace, beautiful grace, so murmuring reveals much corruption, strong corruption, vile corruptions in your heart.” p.111
Davis conclui que para a alma é pior a murmuração do que qualquer aflição, não há algo como uma pequena murmuração, o seu resultado já é mau o suficiente. Murmuração é rebeldia, é algo contrário à piedade.
Deste modo, a murmuração é definida como sendo oposta à obra da conversão operada pelo Espírito Santo. Deste modo, se a conversão revela a grandeza do meu pecado, bem como a grandeza de Cristo; se recusa os prazeres deste mundo por Cristo e mostra a necessidade de me entregar totalmente a Cristo; o murmúrio esquece a grandeza dos meus pecados; o quão majestoso e glorioso Cristo é, especialmente enquanto Salvador; o murmúrio esquece que nos entregamos totalmente a Cristo como nossa fonte de alegria; que nos submetemos a Ele como Rei.
Como já referi, Davis coloca muitas vezes a questão como uma questão de testemunho, aqui não foge à regra.
God has put us on display in front of everyone we know, but specially our spouse and our children. We can make life bitter for the person we embraced on our wedding day and strongly tempt that loving soul to discontentment as well. Not only that, but if you have children, think of them. They have been watching your example for years, quietly drinking in how to react to "any and every circumstance". When you complain, you are training them to follow your bad example. p.119
Se formos amargos e queixosos, por que é que alguém quereria ser como nós, pediria ou perguntaria a razão da esperança que há em nós? Mais fundo, que exemplo de satisfação tenho sido em casa, com os que me conhecem melhor?
Esta terceira parte termina com a análise do contentamento quer no sofrimento, quer na prosperidade.
A quarta parte do livro é sobre guardar o contentamento.
Ao concluir o livro, o autor repete uma última vez a ideia de que estar satisfeito não é o mesmo que ser complacente e que as disciplinas espirituais podem ser importantes na tarefa de ficar e continuar a ser satisfeito.
Neste caso, é importante o papel diário das disciplinas espirituais, a Palavra de Deus renova as nossas mentes diariamente e impede ou dificulta o descontentamento; devemos evitar ou odiar a murmuração, pedir para que Deus nos sonde, pedir contentamento em oração, prepararmo-nos para sermos sal e luz, perceber que é uma luta constante, viver coram Deo, em oração, agradecendo em todas as circunstâncias, mortificando o pecado, guardando a boca, exercitando a fé, decorando e meditando em versículos bíblicos.
Por outro lado, conhecer e estudar acerca de heróis da fé na história da igreja, orar e conhecer sobre a igreja perseguida e envolver-me com missões, envolver-me com ministérios que me “estiquem”, procurar servir onde não me agradeçam/passe despercebido, visitar os idosos, doentes e à beira da morte mudará também a forma como penso, como me vejo e ajudar-me-á a compreender a providência de Deus na minha vida, mas especialmente, na vida de outros. Quando perceber que Cristo morreu não somente por mim, mas por muitos mais, quando perceber o que tem feito na história e no mundo compreenderei melhor o Seu poder, a Sua acção, a Sua soberania e providência.
Finalmente, uma questão prática e que tem a ver com a pregação que ouvi ontem.
Viver em comunidade implica também prestar contas aos outros e pedir contas a outros, um confronto santo, afiar pedra com pedra, duas perguntas que posso fazer aos que comigo estão numa comunidade local:
1) Vês padrões regulares de descontentamento na minha vida?
2) Podes orar para que cresça no contentamento cristão em toda e qualquer circunstância?
E ter calma, porque o segredo do contentamento é perceber que se trata de uma corrida de longa distância, vai durar toda a vida.
April 8, 2022
The beginning was tough to get through but the later chapters had great, practical advice and Biblical wisdom. A third of the book is skippable but the rest is valuable to read and reread.
March 23, 2019
I recently finished reading The Power of Christian Contentment ~ Finding Deeper, Richer Christ-Centered Joy by Andrew Davis. This is one of those books I would recommend that we all need to read, no matter where you are in your faith walk. I really think this book is one of those books to visit often and I plan to reread this again soon. This book gave me much to ponder on and also a better view of being content in all things, as we Christians should and also why. Andrew shares the teachings from Scripture and also pulled information from the book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment that was wrote by Jeremiah Burroughs in 1648.
“The reason that we should be consistently displaying Christian contentment so that, in the end, God will be glorified in our daily lives, we will be more joyful, we will be sources of inspiration, and those watching us will seek the Savior, through whom alone they can have this same supernatural contentment.” Through this book and from Scripture, Andrew shares what the secret is of being content, how we find it, what we learn through Jesus’s life on earth, what God has to say through Scripture, how valuable contentment is in our suffering, why we should live content, how to live content and with joy, when we don’t how it affects us, and what the consequences can be living in discontentment.
One of things (of many), Andrews shares in order for us Christians to be content, we must know Jesus Christ as our Lord, fully trust Him, and let Him teach us. It is when we are trusting and delighting in God’s plan for our lives, being humble, and allowing Him to direct us, that we can begin to learn to be content know matter the circumstances. Yes, contentment is something that you can learn! He teaches us through the example of the Apostle Paul’s life. So there is hope, always hope!
As I read this, I felt guilty for the times I didn’t trust or have complained about things. Thankful though that I have learned from those times and God is still working on growing me in my faith. Many times we think we know what is best, try to take things in our own hands, but when we trust in the sovereignty and grace from God, we can learn to be content. “Most of our restless discontent is nothing more than rebellion.” Through Christ we have all we need, but yes it does take work. We face an internal battle as Christians living in this world. That is so why we need the Jesus! “Christian contentment is a work of ongoing salvation by grace through faith. It is not a natural temper or demeanor…neither can it be attained by willpower or by turning over a new leaf or resolution. In the end, Christian contentment is a miracle of sovereign grace working together with a regenerate soul. God will get the glory, and we will get the joy.”
Some of my highlights from the book and there are many:
Many Christians live such discontent lives that they are never asked by any of the similarly discontent unbelievers surrounding them to give a reason for the hope that they have.
It is possible to learn it as Paul did, to reach the level of sanctification where we are actually content in any an every circumstances.
If we embrace that we have within our relationship with Christ everything we need for peace and joy at every single moment of our brief span here on earth, imagine how free we would be, in all our relationships, from self-serving clinginess or desperation.
A bitter person is usually suffering from unforgiveness.
Submission involves gladly recognizing God’s fatherly authority to make these kinds of decisions concerning His children.
There’s a wise and loving Father behind every experience you walk through in life, every person you chance to meet, every bruise or cut you receive, every paycheck you earn, every flat tire you endure, every missed connecting flight, every possession that slips out of your pocket.
Without God’s providence, it would be impossible to find this contentment in any and every circumstance.
The combination of complete satisfaction in the world and complete dissatisfaction with the world is a mystery of contentment.
We miss many of those good works by being filled with our own selfish focus, not to mention any feelings of discontent.
There is no greater example and instructor of contentment than Jesus Christ. In Him alone can we find a consistent delight in God’s wise plan for our lives and humbly follow that plan day after day.
Content people are quiet under God’s hand, completely satisfied with the simple blessing God has chosen for them.
All of us underestimate how much evil complaining reveals in our hearts. We have spent much of our lives complaining about our surroundings… We don’t think it matters if we voice our frustrations on a regular basis. But actually Scripture teaches the truth: complaining reveals much corruption in the soul.
Nothing earthly is secure. All things that we see with our eyes are temporary. Be ready, for anything to be taken from you, and resolve that you will praise the Lord no matter what happens.
Old wicked habits die through starvation, and new godly habits grow through obedience.
So when the trial starts and your heart is being assaulted by doubts and fears, that is the time to come to God and ask for wisdom.
“The reason that we should be consistently displaying Christian contentment so that, in the end, God will be glorified in our daily lives, we will be more joyful, we will be sources of inspiration, and those watching us will seek the Savior, through whom alone they can have this same supernatural contentment.” Through this book and from Scripture, Andrew shares what the secret is of being content, how we find it, what we learn through Jesus’s life on earth, what God has to say through Scripture, how valuable contentment is in our suffering, why we should live content, how to live content and with joy, when we don’t how it affects us, and what the consequences can be living in discontentment.
One of things (of many), Andrews shares in order for us Christians to be content, we must know Jesus Christ as our Lord, fully trust Him, and let Him teach us. It is when we are trusting and delighting in God’s plan for our lives, being humble, and allowing Him to direct us, that we can begin to learn to be content know matter the circumstances. Yes, contentment is something that you can learn! He teaches us through the example of the Apostle Paul’s life. So there is hope, always hope!
As I read this, I felt guilty for the times I didn’t trust or have complained about things. Thankful though that I have learned from those times and God is still working on growing me in my faith. Many times we think we know what is best, try to take things in our own hands, but when we trust in the sovereignty and grace from God, we can learn to be content. “Most of our restless discontent is nothing more than rebellion.” Through Christ we have all we need, but yes it does take work. We face an internal battle as Christians living in this world. That is so why we need the Jesus! “Christian contentment is a work of ongoing salvation by grace through faith. It is not a natural temper or demeanor…neither can it be attained by willpower or by turning over a new leaf or resolution. In the end, Christian contentment is a miracle of sovereign grace working together with a regenerate soul. God will get the glory, and we will get the joy.”
Some of my highlights from the book and there are many:
Many Christians live such discontent lives that they are never asked by any of the similarly discontent unbelievers surrounding them to give a reason for the hope that they have.
It is possible to learn it as Paul did, to reach the level of sanctification where we are actually content in any an every circumstances.
If we embrace that we have within our relationship with Christ everything we need for peace and joy at every single moment of our brief span here on earth, imagine how free we would be, in all our relationships, from self-serving clinginess or desperation.
A bitter person is usually suffering from unforgiveness.
Submission involves gladly recognizing God’s fatherly authority to make these kinds of decisions concerning His children.
There’s a wise and loving Father behind every experience you walk through in life, every person you chance to meet, every bruise or cut you receive, every paycheck you earn, every flat tire you endure, every missed connecting flight, every possession that slips out of your pocket.
Without God’s providence, it would be impossible to find this contentment in any and every circumstance.
The combination of complete satisfaction in the world and complete dissatisfaction with the world is a mystery of contentment.
We miss many of those good works by being filled with our own selfish focus, not to mention any feelings of discontent.
There is no greater example and instructor of contentment than Jesus Christ. In Him alone can we find a consistent delight in God’s wise plan for our lives and humbly follow that plan day after day.
Content people are quiet under God’s hand, completely satisfied with the simple blessing God has chosen for them.
All of us underestimate how much evil complaining reveals in our hearts. We have spent much of our lives complaining about our surroundings… We don’t think it matters if we voice our frustrations on a regular basis. But actually Scripture teaches the truth: complaining reveals much corruption in the soul.
Nothing earthly is secure. All things that we see with our eyes are temporary. Be ready, for anything to be taken from you, and resolve that you will praise the Lord no matter what happens.
Old wicked habits die through starvation, and new godly habits grow through obedience.
So when the trial starts and your heart is being assaulted by doubts and fears, that is the time to come to God and ask for wisdom.
April 7, 2019
*I was offered a copy of the book The Power of Christian Contentment by Andrew Davis in exchange for my review*
There were several takeaways from this book that I need to work through. First, that contentment is learned. We have to make the choice to be content, and that comes with time and circumstances.
Second, if we live with the idea that nothing has meaning, it may be harder to find contentment in everyday life. Whether you believe it’s the Universe or God or fate, knowing that there is a purpose keeps us ready to pick ourselves up and prepare for the next thing. Davis writes:
We must see the hand of the Almighty God in everything that happens in order to submit freely to it and delight in it. There is a purpose, intention, plan (pg. 56).
Every moment is purposeful, and nothing is wasted (pg. 65).
I don’t know about you, but I can’t live thinking everything is random. The crazy of life has to have some kind of meaning, or what’s the point?
I also love this quote:
Hope is like a buoyant cork that refuses to stay submerged no matter how many times someone shoves it beneath the surface (pg. 107).
Davis is obviously coming from a Calvinist point of view, as there are references sprinkled throughout the book about pre-destination and God’s “deciding” that we the readers would become Christians. This clearly points to the idea that some of us would not be “chosen”, pointing to a God who creates everyone but just doesn’t like some of us as much as others.
There was also an “us versus them” bent that bothered me as well as gross generalizations about Christians in general.
Many Christians in the prosperous West live their lives in self-indulgent luxury and slothful ease….(pg. 180).
Davis also points out how much was given to the Southern Baptist Mission fund in 2014 compared to the total number of churches that gave. #Judgey.
I found Davis’ writing dry; I would have been much more interested in this book had he shared personal stories of how he grew contentment in himself and came to find his own sense of peace with his circumstances.
I’m sure some will read this and be thoroughly convicted, ready to delve into the works of The Apostle Paul to see how he learned to be content.
I absolutely agree with Davis when he ends the book with the thought that contentment is a “lifetime work”. It isn’t easy to wake up every day with a song in your heart when you know you have to face work and traffic and kids and bills and dishes and life.
It may be work to get this right, but that’s okay.
There were several takeaways from this book that I need to work through. First, that contentment is learned. We have to make the choice to be content, and that comes with time and circumstances.
Second, if we live with the idea that nothing has meaning, it may be harder to find contentment in everyday life. Whether you believe it’s the Universe or God or fate, knowing that there is a purpose keeps us ready to pick ourselves up and prepare for the next thing. Davis writes:
We must see the hand of the Almighty God in everything that happens in order to submit freely to it and delight in it. There is a purpose, intention, plan (pg. 56).
Every moment is purposeful, and nothing is wasted (pg. 65).
I don’t know about you, but I can’t live thinking everything is random. The crazy of life has to have some kind of meaning, or what’s the point?
I also love this quote:
Hope is like a buoyant cork that refuses to stay submerged no matter how many times someone shoves it beneath the surface (pg. 107).
Davis is obviously coming from a Calvinist point of view, as there are references sprinkled throughout the book about pre-destination and God’s “deciding” that we the readers would become Christians. This clearly points to the idea that some of us would not be “chosen”, pointing to a God who creates everyone but just doesn’t like some of us as much as others.
There was also an “us versus them” bent that bothered me as well as gross generalizations about Christians in general.
Many Christians in the prosperous West live their lives in self-indulgent luxury and slothful ease….(pg. 180).
Davis also points out how much was given to the Southern Baptist Mission fund in 2014 compared to the total number of churches that gave. #Judgey.
I found Davis’ writing dry; I would have been much more interested in this book had he shared personal stories of how he grew contentment in himself and came to find his own sense of peace with his circumstances.
I’m sure some will read this and be thoroughly convicted, ready to delve into the works of The Apostle Paul to see how he learned to be content.
I absolutely agree with Davis when he ends the book with the thought that contentment is a “lifetime work”. It isn’t easy to wake up every day with a song in your heart when you know you have to face work and traffic and kids and bills and dishes and life.
It may be work to get this right, but that’s okay.
October 22, 2019
My Rating - Put it on your list
Level - Quick, Easy
Summary
The book is broken into four parts - The Secret of Contentment, How to Find Contentment, The Value of Contentment, and Keeping Content. Each section is contains two to four chapters, for a total of 12. The two chapters of part one, set out the foundation of the book. He refers to The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, a collection of sermons by Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs. In the second chapter, he points to Paul and all he suffered, and to the well known verses in Philippians 4, where Paul states that he has learned to be content in all situations. Davis refers back to The Rare Jewel and Paul's writings throughout the rest of his book.
My Thoughts
I think overall this is a pretty good book. I'm always hesitant to recommend a book that seems to just expand on another book (other than the Bible). The cynical side of me would say skip this book read Rare Jewels instead, especially because you can find it for free online. That said it is written by a Puritan and (at least the copy I found) isn't updated English. In addition, Burroughs could not have imagined the power, let alone prosperity Christians find themselves in today, so an update is needed.
The strength of the book, and probably worth the read on it's own, is Chapter 10, Contentment in Prosperity. This is the main issue with the American Church today, and he has a good bit of stats and convicting challenges in this chapter. I'm not big into marking up my books, but I had to make notes on a few pages on this chapter. I think he makes an important call to Christians. Usually, the call to contentment is in a time of less, but he points out the 'abundance' we currently have, and yet we are still not content (on the whole), so we seem to be doing something wrong.
This chapter, along with the commentary on a Paul and the distillation of the classic, Rare Jewels, this is a book to put on your list. If you are specifically interested/concerned with contentment, this is probably (outside of Paul) you best bet to get started. Davis is a strong writer that goes deep, but keeps it accessible to a wider audience.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
More reviews - MondayMorningTheologian.com
Level - Quick, Easy
Summary
The book is broken into four parts - The Secret of Contentment, How to Find Contentment, The Value of Contentment, and Keeping Content. Each section is contains two to four chapters, for a total of 12. The two chapters of part one, set out the foundation of the book. He refers to The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, a collection of sermons by Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs. In the second chapter, he points to Paul and all he suffered, and to the well known verses in Philippians 4, where Paul states that he has learned to be content in all situations. Davis refers back to The Rare Jewel and Paul's writings throughout the rest of his book.
My Thoughts
I think overall this is a pretty good book. I'm always hesitant to recommend a book that seems to just expand on another book (other than the Bible). The cynical side of me would say skip this book read Rare Jewels instead, especially because you can find it for free online. That said it is written by a Puritan and (at least the copy I found) isn't updated English. In addition, Burroughs could not have imagined the power, let alone prosperity Christians find themselves in today, so an update is needed.
The strength of the book, and probably worth the read on it's own, is Chapter 10, Contentment in Prosperity. This is the main issue with the American Church today, and he has a good bit of stats and convicting challenges in this chapter. I'm not big into marking up my books, but I had to make notes on a few pages on this chapter. I think he makes an important call to Christians. Usually, the call to contentment is in a time of less, but he points out the 'abundance' we currently have, and yet we are still not content (on the whole), so we seem to be doing something wrong.
This chapter, along with the commentary on a Paul and the distillation of the classic, Rare Jewels, this is a book to put on your list. If you are specifically interested/concerned with contentment, this is probably (outside of Paul) you best bet to get started. Davis is a strong writer that goes deep, but keeps it accessible to a wider audience.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
More reviews - MondayMorningTheologian.com
March 9, 2019
Andy Davis uses Jeremiah Burrough's definition of contentment: "Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition" (40-41). And Andy Davis sees biblical warrant for us to pursue this contentment every day of our lives.
He says, "It is the duty of all Christians to strive after contentment every single day for the rest of their lives on earth. We owe this to Christ. A convicting question stands over all our moments of complaining discontent: Has Christ, crucified and resurrected on your behalf, done enough to make you content today. . .or must he do a little more" (40).
However, if we are going to pursue Christian contentment, then we are going to have to learn it the same way the Apostle Paul learned it (Phil. 4:11-13). Paul learned to live on God alone in the midst of suffering and prosperity. Andy Davis then teaches us a great deal about God so that we might learn how to live in Him alone.
The most breathtaking chapters are the ones on God's providence, the evils and excuses of a complaining heart, contentment in suffering, and contentment in prosperity. With that said, here is a quote from the chapter on the evils and excuses of a complaining hear: "All of us underestimate how much evil complaining reveals in our hearts. We have spend much of our lives complaining about our surroundings-too hot, too cold, too loud, too soft, too spicy, too bland. We don't think it matters if we voice our frustrations on a regular basis. But actually Scripture teaches the truth: complaining reveals much corruption in the soul" (111).
This book will help you fight for contentment in Christ in any and every circumstance!
He says, "It is the duty of all Christians to strive after contentment every single day for the rest of their lives on earth. We owe this to Christ. A convicting question stands over all our moments of complaining discontent: Has Christ, crucified and resurrected on your behalf, done enough to make you content today. . .or must he do a little more" (40).
However, if we are going to pursue Christian contentment, then we are going to have to learn it the same way the Apostle Paul learned it (Phil. 4:11-13). Paul learned to live on God alone in the midst of suffering and prosperity. Andy Davis then teaches us a great deal about God so that we might learn how to live in Him alone.
The most breathtaking chapters are the ones on God's providence, the evils and excuses of a complaining heart, contentment in suffering, and contentment in prosperity. With that said, here is a quote from the chapter on the evils and excuses of a complaining hear: "All of us underestimate how much evil complaining reveals in our hearts. We have spend much of our lives complaining about our surroundings-too hot, too cold, too loud, too soft, too spicy, too bland. We don't think it matters if we voice our frustrations on a regular basis. But actually Scripture teaches the truth: complaining reveals much corruption in the soul" (111).
This book will help you fight for contentment in Christ in any and every circumstance!
June 1, 2019
Contentment in God is a Biblical theme. Andrew Davis defines contentment as: “that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition” (The Power of Christian Contentment, Baker Books 2019, pp. 40-41). He maintains that “Christian contentment is a mindset produced by the sovereign grace of God in Christ, characterized by sweetness (not bitterness or sourness), genuineness from the heart (not acting or hypocrisy), and quietness (not murmuring or contentiousness) (p. 45).
Davis is right not to downplay the ease with which people can murmur, grumble or complain about hardships, nor the fact that achieving Christian contentment daily is a hard-fought battle. But his contention is that though both Christians and nonChristians face the same trials, God wants Christians to shine like lights in the darkness of the world’s suffering by the way they handle the sorrows of life. He says: “It is no stretch to say that the Lord may orchestrate amazingly challenging circumstances for you and your family for the primary purpose of giving your supernatural hope and Christian contentment a platform. As despairing lost people look on and see a buoyant peace and joy that is not based on favorable earthly circumstances but rather on faith in Christ, they will ask “you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Pet. 3:15) p.25. In other words, demonstrate your trust in God’s Providence.
Christian contentment certainly is countercultural in our discontented world today, but Davis’ book provides both admonitions and practical helps in the on-going battle Christians face to hold onto God and contentment “in any and all situations.” 5 stars M.L. Codman-Wilson Ph.D. 5/31/19
Davis is right not to downplay the ease with which people can murmur, grumble or complain about hardships, nor the fact that achieving Christian contentment daily is a hard-fought battle. But his contention is that though both Christians and nonChristians face the same trials, God wants Christians to shine like lights in the darkness of the world’s suffering by the way they handle the sorrows of life. He says: “It is no stretch to say that the Lord may orchestrate amazingly challenging circumstances for you and your family for the primary purpose of giving your supernatural hope and Christian contentment a platform. As despairing lost people look on and see a buoyant peace and joy that is not based on favorable earthly circumstances but rather on faith in Christ, they will ask “you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Pet. 3:15) p.25. In other words, demonstrate your trust in God’s Providence.
Christian contentment certainly is countercultural in our discontented world today, but Davis’ book provides both admonitions and practical helps in the on-going battle Christians face to hold onto God and contentment “in any and all situations.” 5 stars M.L. Codman-Wilson Ph.D. 5/31/19
July 21, 2025
“It is the duty of all Christians to strive after contentment every single day for the rest of their lives on earth. We owe this to Christ. A convicting question stands over all our moments of complaining discontent: Has Christ, crucified and resurrected on your behalf, done enough to make you content today . . . or must he do a little more?”
“Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.”
“The doctrine of providence sees a Person behind everything. There is purpose, intention, plan. There’s a wise and loving Father behind every experience you walk through in life, every person you “chance” to meet, every bruise or cut you receive, every paycheck you earn, every flat tire you endure, every missed connecting flight, every possession that slips out of your pocket.”
“We become content not by adding to our possessions and pleasures, but by subtracting from our desires, carving them down until they equal what our loving heavenly Father chooses to provide.”
“Practitioners of Christian contentment are skillful sculptors who learn to sculpt away from their expectations everything that doesn’t line up with God’s Word and God’s providential purposes for their life.”
“For our own contentment, we must become more and more God-centered, focused on the plans and glory of the Father. Much of our discontent comes from our selfishness in pursuing our own agendas,
seeking our own glory, feeding our own lusts. We were created to be God-centered servants of his will, moment by moment.”
“Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.”
“The doctrine of providence sees a Person behind everything. There is purpose, intention, plan. There’s a wise and loving Father behind every experience you walk through in life, every person you “chance” to meet, every bruise or cut you receive, every paycheck you earn, every flat tire you endure, every missed connecting flight, every possession that slips out of your pocket.”
“We become content not by adding to our possessions and pleasures, but by subtracting from our desires, carving them down until they equal what our loving heavenly Father chooses to provide.”
“Practitioners of Christian contentment are skillful sculptors who learn to sculpt away from their expectations everything that doesn’t line up with God’s Word and God’s providential purposes for their life.”
“For our own contentment, we must become more and more God-centered, focused on the plans and glory of the Father. Much of our discontent comes from our selfishness in pursuing our own agendas,
seeking our own glory, feeding our own lusts. We were created to be God-centered servants of his will, moment by moment.”
May 7, 2019
#GoodReadsGiveAway
Andrew M. Davis, pastor of First Baptist, Durham, North Carolina, lays out his thesis at the end of chapter one which reads: "My thesis for this book is that Christian contentment is finding delight in God's wise plan for my life and humbly allowing him to direct me in it." With this in mind Pastor Davis states "my goal is that we will more consistently display Christian contentment so that, in the end, God will be glorified in our daily lives..."
These definitions and directions are very necessary in laying the groundwork for this work. Based on these ideas Pastor Davis places the animation and activity of contentment within the volitional life of the believer. It calls on each faithful Christian to actively seek out God's plan. My guess is that if you agree with this framework then you will find this book enlightening and encouraging. I, however, would place the center of Christian contentment not in God's plan for me, but in God's plan for all of creation. For me, Christian contentment grows from God's activity in the world through his Son, Jesus for the salvation and redemption of the world of which believers are one part.
I'm sure that those readers who hold to (or hold sympathy for) Baptist tenets will find much to engage them in this text.
Andrew M. Davis, pastor of First Baptist, Durham, North Carolina, lays out his thesis at the end of chapter one which reads: "My thesis for this book is that Christian contentment is finding delight in God's wise plan for my life and humbly allowing him to direct me in it." With this in mind Pastor Davis states "my goal is that we will more consistently display Christian contentment so that, in the end, God will be glorified in our daily lives..."
These definitions and directions are very necessary in laying the groundwork for this work. Based on these ideas Pastor Davis places the animation and activity of contentment within the volitional life of the believer. It calls on each faithful Christian to actively seek out God's plan. My guess is that if you agree with this framework then you will find this book enlightening and encouraging. I, however, would place the center of Christian contentment not in God's plan for me, but in God's plan for all of creation. For me, Christian contentment grows from God's activity in the world through his Son, Jesus for the salvation and redemption of the world of which believers are one part.
I'm sure that those readers who hold to (or hold sympathy for) Baptist tenets will find much to engage them in this text.
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