“for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”
Philippians 4:11
The enemy is often at work in our
lives by trying to make us discontent and unhappy about something that we don’t
have in our lives. People that are discontent are dissatisfied have a restless
desire for something that one does not have. Since they don’t have it they are unhappy.
God doesn’t want us to be this way. He wants us to be content, happy, and
satisfied with what we have been given and the way things are. 1 Timothy 6:6
says that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” It goes on to say in 1
Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out.” He even tells us that if we have food and clothing … we
should be content (1 Timothy 6:8). Hebrews 13:5 says “Let your conduct be
without covetousness; be content with such things as you have” (NKJV). The
Message Bible says “Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be
relaxed with what you have.” The Living Bible says “Stay away from the love of
money; be satisfied with what you have.” Contentment is a choice that we make
to be happy with what He provides for you. Sadly, most people are not content.
They always seem to want more. Even more sadly is that many Christians are not
content either. One thing I know about God is that He wants us to be happy with
our lives. He has blessed us immensely. He wants us to be happy in Him. He
wants us to love our family, friends, and those He’s put in our circle of
influence. He doesn’t want us to be jealous and envious of what others have
that we don’t. He wants us to be mature in the Lord. This means that if they
have something we don’t we are to be happy for them. He blesses us and our life
in ways that He wants to bless us. God takes excellent care of us. He gives us
all that we need. I encourage you today to be happy with what He’s blessed you
with. Thank Him for what He’s given you. Have a thankful and grateful heart.
This will please him.
Father, You want us to be content, happy, and satisfied
with what we have been given by You and the way things are. Your Word says that
godliness with contentment is great gain. We know that we brought nothing into
this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. You have given us
food, clothing, shelter, vehicles to drive, etc. We should be content, happy,
grateful and thankful. Hebrews 13:5 says “Let your conduct be without
covetousness; be content with such things as you have” (NKJV). Lord may we be
so. The Message Bible says “Don’t be obsessed with getting more material
things. Be relaxed with what you have.” Lord, may we not be obsessed with
getting more material things. May we be relaxed with what we have. The Living
Bible says “Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have.”
Lord, may we stay away from the love of money. May we be satisfied with what we
have. Contentment is a choice that we make to be happy with what You provides
for us. And we thank You for all the ways that You provide. We want pure
hearts. We want to see you! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Kimberly Lenz, Care
Ministry Coordinator
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