Contentment

 

4:10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.
4:11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.
4:12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret ing well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.
4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
4:14 In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.  Philippians 4:10-14

[The Lord] makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.  - Psalm 23:2-3 (NRSV)

 

I saw the doe long before she saw me. She was nestled on a soft patch of grass, enjoying the peace of the quiet forest. I didn’t want to disturb her. She seemed perfectly content where she was. I felt the peace I saw in that scene. But the company I worked for was in danger of going out of business, and I faced the prospect of losing my job. With the unemployment rate high, getting a new job would be no easy task.



  But the Bible tells us that stress does not mean we can’t find contentment. The apostle Paul learned that the way to be content in every circumstance of life is to rely on God and the strength God provides (Phil. 4:12-13). God enables us to “lie down in green pastures” and restores our souls (Ps. 23:2-3). I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that God will be with me every step of the way. In a world that changes daily, we find peace and contentment in believing the promises of God, who never changes.

 

The Author - Wallace Brixner, Jr. (New Jersey, USA) - from The Upper Room

 

Thought for the Day  -  We find contentment in God’s presence.

Prayer

Dear unchanging God, thank you for being with us through all circumstances. Please be our guide and grant us peace. Amen.
 

Prayer focus - Those in danger of losing their job