Daily devotion – contentment
Phl 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
The giant 200 million dollar lottery went off yesterday, with two ticket holders getting $100 million each. The real tragedy is that so many others missed out and now must continue to live with what they have been dealt with thus far.
When did you last speak to someone content with what they had?
My father worked all his life as a cabinet maker. The working hours during his time were 5 ½ days per week. I recall him getting something like 5 pounds per week as a child. But I remember vividly talking to him after he retired on the government pension at 65 years of age, and he said he now had money in the bank for the first time.
It seems that contentment for many only comes in the very late years of our lives. Helen and I recall the tough years of raising four children on one wage when our mortgage rate was 17.5 %.
No matter how we struggled financially, God was always with us during those times, and we knew contentment even though it was tough financially.
We knew within our hearts that God would always meet our needs. He would somehow get us through when washing machines, refrigerators, and especially second-hand cars failed us. When our not-so-good cars broke down, I longed again for the days of horses and carts. At least if the horse broke down, we could eat it!
As Paul instructs, contentment does not come via a lottery win, a high-paying salary, or having no debt. This contentment that the Bible speaks of is only found in Jesus Christ as our Lord.
Paul was writing about contentment whilst he was in prison. He knew that happiness did not depend on circumstances or things; his joy and contentment came from something more profound, apart from poverty or prosperity, for many wealthy people are not content!
Notice that Paul said he had ‘learned’ in whatever state he found himself to be content!
Through trial and testing, Paul was initiated into the beautiful secret of contentment despite poverty or prosperity.
Paul went on to say in this letter – “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” – Phil 4:13
It was the power of Christ with Paul that gave him spiritual contentment.
This week, examine your heart. Is contentment dwelling within you, or are you still chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?