Contentment
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content 1 with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:5-6a
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
... I have learned how to be content 2 with whatever I have.I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:4-9, 11b-13
‘Contentment’, according to the original Greek means:
- Self-sufficient, contented, satisfied.
- Content in the sense of being satisfied because of living in God's content (fulness). This inward sufficiency is as valid in 'low times' (suffering) as in 'high times' (temporal prosperity).
- Contentedness that comes through the indwelling power of Christ.” 2 This is something that can ONLY be found in Him alone...
My grace is sufficient 1 for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9a
- In Philippians 4, what does Paul exhort us to do? List the promises of God written in this scripture portion.
- What are You speaking to me regarding contentment?
- Begin to make a list of things you want to thank God for. Start adding one thing each day and thank Him, even when it feels hard. Call on Him in times of trouble. Cast your cares onto Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He will deliver you, and you will honor Him. Calling on Him and trusting Him and thanking Him honors Him.
Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,
and call on Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.
Psalm 50:14-15