Guest Post – Finding Contentment: Lessons from the Goats

I laughed as I watched my silly goats push their heads through the fence, attempting to
reach the grass on the other side. They had just been given fresh pasture. New green grass was all around them. They were surrounded by all they needed, and yet it was not enough. Sometimes, we can be like these goats.

I live on a farm with my family. We have cows, chickens, dogs, bees, and of course goats. The goats are mine, and I am their master. Today I am going to be sharing three lessons I have learned from my goats on contentment.

First, it can be easy to get caught up in our wants and search for fulfillment and pleasure in material things. But we cannot find contentment without our Master. For example. Even when my goats have everything they need, food, water, and shelter. They still stick their heads through that fence trying to reach for something outside of the boundaries. They are not content with the needs provided, they want more. When I try to fill my need for the Master with forbidden pleasures, I am still empty. There is nothing we can accomplish, attain or experience that will fill the Jesus-sized hole in our souls. Contentment cannot be found until I fill my life with Christ.

Second, we can find contentment in the knowledge that our master is caring for us, even when we can’t see Him. Unlike my goats, we as spiritual beings have the ability to know and understand that God is there watching and caring for us, even when we can’t see him. I could be there watching from a window to make sure they have what they need, and they will still be calling for me. It doesn’t take a physical connection for us to be content in the knowledge that our Master is caring for us. We need only what he provides to be content.

Third, call to the Master, God will always be there to fill your needs if you call on Him. I am listening for my goats, because sometimes they knock over their water, or run out of food, and start calling to me. It is my job as the master to care for their needs. God has promised us that he will meet all our needs according to the riches of his glory. Philippians 4:19. We need only to call on Him. We can be content with what God gives us, and he blesses us beyond our needs. We have so many reasons to be happy and content. Let’s overview what we have looked at so far.

Three Steps to Contentment

1. Find Contentment in the Master: There is nothing I can accomplish, attain, or
   experience that will fill the Jesus sized hole in my soul. (Matthew 4:4) So I must fill my
   life with the things that Christ says will give me contentment. Prayer, study, and selfless
   deeds are a few examples.
2. Remember the Master is Caring for You: Even when I cannot see Him, he is watching
   and listening to care for my needs. So I do not need to feel discontent or worry that He
   doesn’t see what I do, or need. (Matthew 6:25-34)
3. He Will Provide for Your Needs: The Bible says that I can be content with just food
   and clothing. (1 Timothy 6:8) God promises that he will provide for my needs
   (Philippians 4:19), so if I do not have my needs, I must ask God, He will provide.

There is no reason why we as Christians cannot be content. We are commanded by God
to do so. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:8. Our lives are full of blessings, we have running water, air conditioning, and modern appliances. We have everything we need to be content, all we have to do is put God first. Because if we do that, not only will he provide for our needs, he will also give us the undeserved treasures of heaven.

So, learn from the goats. When the master is there, they are content.

With Love,
Sarah Paschall