Devotions based on week 11 of Joy in the Journey: Contentment (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Secret #2: Glance past the circumstance
Repentance turns us around…but then where do we look?
Our sinful nature challenges us to look back to the same thing that caused us to be discontent, but we have to look past what we might be experiencing to find contentment.
So where are we to focus to be content no matter what the circumstance?
First, focus on godliness, not greediness. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Once the Spirit of God has worked faith in Jesus in our hearts, our purpose in life shifts. No longer are we living to gain all the world has to offer, but living to give all the Lord has to offer the world. We are here to let the light of Jesus shine to make lives brighter and to be the salt of the earth to make lives better. Accumulation of wealth is not the goal, godliness is.
Second, focus on the future without stuff, but with your Savior. Paul in the verse above reminds us that we started this life without a diaper to our name. We leave this world by giving up all our earthly possessions. So hold onto them with a very loose grip. Never have I seen a hearse with a dead person’s possessions in tow behind it. Sure, some cultures bury possessions to be used in the afterlife, but every grave robber or archaeologists finds those very items still in the place of burial. Keep our heart from finding contentment in earthly gain by focusing on our heavenly reward.
Third, focus on God’s promises and provision. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Discontent leads to worry because we are always uncertain as to if we have enough. Look at God’s track record. The creation he made, he also provides for. Nearly every day, I see birds at our feeders and am reminded of this promise. So, if the birds enjoy the provision of their heavenly Father, can I not expect the same? When tempted to worry and discontent, focus on God’s promise and his faithfulness to provide.
Fourth, invest your heart and life in following the Lord. King Solomon had all the riches of the world, yet he wrote this with his God-given wisdom, Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Contentment that rests in the Lord always is confident that their life is secure in grace. Sure, earthly trouble may find us, but eternal trouble will not. Our biggest need and problem is solved in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
So glance past the circumstance and remember that contentment is a state of mind not a state of mind not a state of being.
Apply: Which of these focal points will help you overcome discontent and life with stronger contentment?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of your promises and provisions. Lead me to always rest in you to find contentment no matter what my earthly circumstances. AMEN.