“I Cannot and I Won’t.”

That statement caught your eye, yes? Precisely.

The fact of the matter is, that statement in and of itself has nothing to do with my post. This post is really about contentment. What is contentment? Well, you might say, it is the times in life when I haven’t wanted anything. Not so. Contentment is actually that moment when you realize you don’t have all you want, but “you have all you need.” Contentment is, in my opinion, the state of complete rest in the Good Shepherd’s care, guidance, and provision. A content person may not know where he is going, how he will get there, or who will go with him, but he has no doubt that God is guiding and will do what is best for him. A content person does not seek promotion, but is faithful. A content person does not seek wealth, but always seems to have more than he really does. A content person is quick to glorify God with the good fruits that come out of his life, because he realizes that everything he has belongs to God.

Here is the application of the title of this post to the rest. Fanny Crosby, one of the greatest hymn writers of all time, wrote a simple yet thought-provoking poem as a young girl. It is important to understand a bit of her testimony before examining the poem. She became blind as an infant when a man who was not really a doctor applied a hot mustard poultice to her eyes. God in His providence allowed this to happen to poor Fanny, knowing the blessings her many beautiful, descriptive hymns and poems would bring to Christians for centuries to come. When she could have become bitter at God and the man who destroyed her sight, Fanny Crosby chose contentment. This is one of my favorite poems.

Oh what a happy soul am I
Although I cannot see;
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don’t;
To weep and sigh because I’m blind,
I cannot, and I won’t.

1Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.