Today’s Readings Exodus 35-37, Psalm 96, Philippians 4
There are so many things that grab our attention daily. The world has so many things that can make us discontent. The newer version of a car, the newest style of clothes, a new job, an upgraded look to match the TV, new friends, a new car, or a different significant other. Just about all we see daily can leave us in a discontented state. Discontent can take your joy and bring you anxiety, leading to fear.
It’s hard to find people who are content with where they are. ( I know I suffer myself.)
Know that the human heart cannot be satisfied without God.
Philippians 4:1, “Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Paul is in jail, on death row…still, he is content.
In verse 11 Paul is saying, “I’m satisfied, I have enough.” And saying you have enough is saying, “God, I am content with what You’re now doing in my life.” In other words, it’s really an act of worship to be content. You are bowing before the Lord and saying,
The familiar words of Psalm 23 begin this way: “The Lord,” or, “Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want.” A satisfied heart should be the experience of every believer because God promises to satisfy us with everything we need.
May we shine as lights by being content with God’s plan today and in the future.
i