Devotion – God’s Love is…Contentment

“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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:11-13

It’s not always easy to be content. Sometimes life throws us some pretty crazy situations. We are selfish human beings constantly seeking something new to excite us. We want, want, and want! Why can’t we just be content? The answer is that we are sinful beings plagued with a sinful nature. Our sinful thoughts and actions deserve consequences…even to the point of death.

Thankfully, God gives us his love no matter what the situation, which is certainly a reason to be content! God sent his only son into this world full of selfishness to die for our sins. We can be CONTENT because he rose again and gave us eternal life! What more do we need?!

I constantly struggle with looking ahead to what I could have or what could be instead of enjoying being in the moment and counting my blessings. Have you ever seen the movie White Christmas?Apparently I was missing out, so I watched it and one of the songs caught my attention.Some of the lyrics said “Count your blessings instead of sheep…” When I think of being content, I think first of the salvation I have through Christ Jesus my Lord. Being content also means acknowledging what God has blessed you with in life.We all have the love of God, family, friends, everything we need to live and the ability to witness the Good News to others! We each have plenty of blessings to count!

Prayer-

Dear God, help us to count our blessings when we are feeling in want and be content in the moment we are living in right now. Thank you for giving us breath each day, may we enjoy what we have, where we are at and what we are doing in this moment.

Published January 12, 2009

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