Discontentment is reaching a world-wide plague in
today's society. We are rarely satisfied with our self, each other, our church,
our job, etc. We live with extreme stress most days in many areas of our life.
Yet, God Word exhorts us that godliness with
contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6-7). Learning to live in contentment is
a difficult task for most people.
Some carry it too far and end up apathetic with
little motivation or passion for life at all (Amos 6:1). However, striving for
more possessions, a better job, a new home or car, etc. may cause contention
between us and those in life about whom we should care the most.
Living at peace with everyone is sometimes hard
to do, but it does bring a measure of contentment to our life (Romans 12:18).
We cease from our carnal labors and enter into God's Sabbath rest (Hebrews
4:9).
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).
If we "grab" or strive for more out of
life, because of discontentment with what we have, God will withhold them from
us. However, when we sit contentedly at His feet, ready to receive whatever He
thinks is best for us, He gives us all good things to enjoy (James 1:17).
Prayer:
Father God, 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 (Matthew 6:26-34), and we thank
You for providing for us just as richly. We trust in Your goodness and we
marvel at Your abundant mercy and grace toward us.
We strive for unity with You each moment of the
day and then we enter into Your rest and receive Your provision for us of every
good thing that we need. We want to be led by Your Holy Spirit and to live in
contentment, rather than to strive for more of this world.
Thought for the Day:
"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
