Devotional – Contentment
Philippians 4: 11-12 (NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.
The Church I attend is closed due to the Corona Virus, so I have been flipping through the television channels, watching parts of sermons here and there. A few were good, and some were not so good. One particularly grabbed my attention. It was a prosperity theology sermon. You know, give to me and God will give you wealth and blessings. Life will be perfect, if you just believe and have faith. Nothing bad will happen to you. Ugh... flip that channel.
But it did make me think. What if God’s purpose is not to fulfill all our wants and desires, but rather to offer us contentment?
That’s a God that I can understand. That’s a theology that I can accept. That’s a Biblical approach to God. Lord, just offer me contentment in whatever situation I may find myself in, at the moment.
The verse following the above passage is often quoted. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do everything, through him who gives me strength
Or my paraphrase, “I can be content, through all things, through him that gives me strength.”
Father, help us to be content in all things. Help us not to confuse our desires and wants with true contentment. In Christ’s name, Amen.
David Massey