Our church is currently going through a series called Storage Wars.
One of the sermons was on contentment.
We live in a nation that has been blessed with many wonderful things and our society tells us that we deserve to have anything and everything that we want. We are told to be happy, that we need and deserve more- more things, time, money, better health, etc. Our society tells me these things will make me fulfilled and give me security for my future.
God’s Word tells us something entirely different. He tells us He is our Provider and our Strength. He is our Salvation. He hears and answers our prayers. His Word tells us that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
1 Timothy 6:6-7 tells us, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that.”
A few weeks ago I came down with the flu.
It started with a headache, no appetite and very little energy-the kind of days where you plug along as best as you can but you aren’t very productive. That was quickly followed by some days where I just didn’t move far from my bed. I can tolerate being sick once in a while but this went on for about 9 days. After the 2nd day of this I was beginning to think “enough already”. I was sick of feeling lousy and sick of lying in bed. I had my week planned and it did not include being sick. I had to take some days off with pay because I was sick. I didn’t want to use my days off to be sick, I wanted to use those days off for fun things. In short I was not content with what God was allowing for me.
God in His grace allowed me 9 days to rest, pray and think.
It wasn’t long before I realized my sinful attitude. I am not in control, God is and He was allowing this for His purpose. On the days when I was laying in bed feeling sorry for myself, God brought to mind those who are going through treatment for cancer or those who are lying in a hospital bed too sick to care for themselves. I had absolutely nothing to complain about but much to be thankful for. I have a job where I have sick pay. Many people in our world do not have that. I had the flu and was restored to health in God’s timing. Some people struggle with healthy minds, but have bodies that no longer function correctly. I am usually healthy. I have a job where I am offered health care. Many people in our world have little access to medicine or health care.
What I do not need is “the more” that this world claims I need to have.
My deepest need is to desire more of Jesus. When I feel discontent settle over me, I need to stop and pray for a godly mindset. I need to ask the Holy Spirit to fall fresh on me. I need to trust God and surrender myself completely to Him. I need to ask Him for a deeper hunger and thirst for Him. I need to thank Him for all He has done for me.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Thanks be to God!
