Contentment #7—Contented Desire

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; those who come to me shall not hunger, and those who believe in me shall never thirst. … the water that I give shall become in them wells of water springing up to eternal life.” John 6:35; 4:13–14

The paradox of contentment is evident in these promises: In what sense do lose our thirst, if we still need a well? Jesus did not promise to remove our thirst. He promised to provide what we need to satisfy it. He promised to remove the fear of being thirsty. The Christian way of addressing the paradox of contentment is different than the Buddhist’s. The Buddhist tries to eliminate desire. The Christian finds a source of joy that is stable, secure and ultimately satisfying. We cease to hunger and thirst in that as soon as we find a desire arising in our heart, we satisfy it by trusting Jesus to care for us lovingly and wisely. Jesus teaches us that as the Sovereign of the universe he is sufficient to meet every need, that he intercedes on our behalf with the Father, and that he knows just when to give us what we need, so we will benefit most from his provision. The contentment that comes from entrusting our future to Jesus keeps us from devouring our neighbors; even more, it moves us to act fearlessly on their behalf. Our wells can become springs that overflow with the goodness Christ will pour into our lives.

O Lord, you have prepared a table before me, even in my enemy’s presence. My cup overflows. Pursue me with your gracious goodness all my days so I will be confident in your fellowship and content in your love. Amen.