When we suffer, we often accuse God, as if it is entirely
His fault that we are inconvenienced. As if He caused it. However, we can put
suffering in its proper perspective, when we see that Jesus also suffered. He
suffered for our sins. He was made perfect through His suffering. Everyone
suffers physically, mentally, emotionally or financially in one way or another.
Only those who turn to God, however, will also receive His comfort and grace during
our trouble (Romans 8:28).
God gives us eternal life from the moment we come to Him in
salvation (John 17:3). Therefore, we can give Him
thanks regardless of our circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This
thankfulness gives us a happy life, even if we are experiencing unhappy
conditions (Psalm 103:5). Our situation in life does not
define our character or our identity. We can live above these natural issues,
by finding our strength and joy in Christ who is our all in all (Colossians
1:17).
Having a Godly attitude along with contentment helps us to
grow in Christ (1Timothy 6:6). We brought nothing into this
world, and we must leave everything behind. Therefore, we find our contentment
in God’s provision of food and clothing (1Timothy 6:8). God
gives us everything we need to find joy, even in our tribulation. He also uses
our discomfort to comfort others. Having worldly riches and a love of money
presents a trap and a temptation. They cause us to entertain many worldly
desires, which may plunge us into ruin and destruction.
God encourages us to pursue eternal life and to flee from
worldly gain. Instead, he wants us to seek His holiness, faith, love, gentleness
and endurance to run the race (1 Timothy 6:6-12). Possessing Christ is the
main ingredient in living a joyful life (Romans 5:3). His
grace is all we really need to have power, which is perfected in our weakness.
He teaches us contentment even in the face of insults, sorrow, trouble and
persecution for Christ’s sake. Christ in us is strong even in our weakness (2
Corinthians 12:9-10).
Dishonest gain is a reproach, as is greed and materialism (Luke
3:14). If we covet our neighbors’ possessions, the envy will rot
our bones; but a contented heart gives life to our body, as well as to our soul
and spirit (Proverbs 14:30). As we respect and obey the
Lord, He leads us into life and godliness, so that we can rest in contentment
so sweet that we are not even disturbed by trouble anymore (Proverbs
19:23). As we serve the Lord first, He provides everything we need
(Psalm
34:10; Matthew 6:33).
Prayer:
Father God, teach us to be content no matter what situation
we encounter. Help us to prosper in spirit even in humble physical means; and
keep us humble in prosperous physical means as well. Christ in us provides the
inner strength to endure any hardship (Philippians 4:11-13). Christ
in us is our only true source of contentment. Remind us to walk in Your ways
and to seek Your face, and You will provide everything we need.
Thought for the Day:
Like Job, we will find that God will provide for us
more than we ever lost through our trials and tribulation.
