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The Art of Divine Contentment

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Watson, one of the most understandable and practical of the Puritans, gives us a much needed remedy for the discontent that is rampant in our society today, even among Christians. He gives a warm and God-centered view of how contentment as a Christian is not only possible, but should be normal. His thesis is: "That a gracious spirit is a contented spirit. The doctrine of contentment is very superlative; and til we have learned this, we have not learned to be Christians." (p. 19). He rightly focuses the source of contentment on God's promises and His sovereign keeping of them. "There is one promise brings much sweet contentment into the soul, 'They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing,' Ps. xxxiv. 10. If the thing we desire be good for us, we shall have it; if it be not good, then the not having it is good for us. The resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment." (p. 108).

All Christians can benefit from this kind of work, that we might be different, and not live in the same discontent that we see all around us. If you're looking for a treatment for your heart, Watson is a fine physician of the soul.

The value of the writings of the Puritans can be seen in many different ways. Thomas Watson in seeking to set forth in detail,the nature of Divine contentment ,right at the outset ,(in the epistle to the reader)boldly writes that discontentment is sin. I'm not sure if many Christian writers in our day would be so blunt in drawing the line of distinction as to whether something (such as discontentment)is sinful or not. I am confident that many modern writers would clearly state that contentment is a good thing to strive for and attain to,but I'm not so sure that they would unequivocally label discontentment as sin.
The 13 arguments that he gives in Chapter six on (motives to contentment) are very helpful,motivational and convincing.
If some think that the writings of the Puritans are somewhat dated and cannot possibly address issues that 21st century Christians must face,I hope that one brief quote will help obiliterate such thinking. In dealing with the subject of contentment as it relates to ones physical prosperity(or lack thereof)Watson writes on p.61"You never did thrive in your spiritual trade,your heart was never so low,as since your condition was low;you were never so poor in spirit,never so rich in faith.You did never run the ways of God's commandments so fast as since some of your golden weights were taken off."The author was well aware that the Lord often has used trials in the area of possessions (or being in a state of need)to abundantly prosper the spiritual lives of His children.
The practical importance of contentment is something that has practical implications in the lives of Christians every day of their lives.
I can say with great confidence that 'The Art of Divine Contentment' would be very useful (in the life of any believer)to help them learn to be more content in every circumstance they face in their lives.

The fact that the preachers of old like Watson wrote over 60 pages of exposition based on a single verse in Phil 4:11 tells us how they persevered in mulling over the Holy Scriptures, an exceedingly hard task to do considering the overwhelming distractions we face these days; internet, newspapers, TV, etc. The topic on contentment has never been so pertinent, especially when the prevailing principle in the world around us teaches whoever has the most toys wins. How beautiful it is the response given by the Word of God spoken through his blessed apostle to such a deception , "I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances". So as Watson said, "the way for a man to be contented, is not by raising his estate higher, but by bringing his heart lower." Let us covet then this blessed Spirit of contentment that we may be able to respond to the Lord's promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us, the way Hebrews teaches to "say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me?'"

One cannot read Thomas Watson without experiencing "the knife." Soli Deo Gloria has done a great service in bringing this classic to modern readers. If we truly embrace God's love for us, and his sovereignty in our lives, than the practice of contentment, that "peace that passes understanding" is ours.