Read: Philippians 4:11-13“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” - 1 Tim 6:6-7 (NKJV)
Like Paul, it took me years to learn to be content. I do not want to live “at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1), because that denotes an apathetic attitude. On the other hand, I do not want to live with stress and anxiety either. Striving often brings contention between us and our neighbors, coworkers, family and friends. I want to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).
The only striving the Bible suggests that we partake in is to “strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Luke 13:24), to “always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men” (Acts 24:16), and to “strive together in prayers to God” (Rom 15:30). There is no other striving in our life once we come into the presence of the Lord. We cease from our labors and enter into the true Sabbath rest of God.
If we "grab" or strive for more out of life, because of discontentment with what we have, God will withhold His gifts from us. However, when we sit contentedly at His feet, ready to receive whatever He thinks is best for us, that is when He gives us all good things to enjoy. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Prayer:
Lord, You promised to give us our daily bread and all that we need to survive in this natural world. You clothed the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. We thank You for providing for us just as richly.Thought for the Day:
God gives us all good things to enjoy.
