So few people realize the great gain available to everyone who trusts in the name of the Lord. God’s peace, love, and joy are our constant companions. We enjoy the fruit of holiness and deep contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-7). It took me years to learn to be content and to walk in the Spirit – led by His peace.
If we "grab" or strive for more out of life, because of discontentment with what we have, God will withhold His gifts from us and allow us to reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). However, when we sit contentedly at God’s feet, ready to receive whatever He thinks is best for us, that is when He gives us all good things to enjoy (1 Corinthians 2:9).
I do not want to live with stress and anxiety. Nor do I want to live “at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1) - because that denotes an apathetic attitude. Yet, striving in our human efforts 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. Godliness and contentment bring us great gain (1 Timothy 6:6-19).
Prayer:
Father God, You desire for us live by Your grace through faith in You and Your promises. I find it interesting that science is always “catching up” to validate scriptural truth. Not only are the Bible prophecies concerning the coming of Christ and end time events true, but nature also confirms the validity of its claims (Romans 1:20). Teach us that based on natural evidence, we have no valid excuse not to believe the Bible. Your Word is inspirational, alive, powerful, and teaches us self-discipline (Hebrews 4:12).
Thank You for sharing the whole earth with us because it and everything on it is Yours. Help us to understand the depth of Your love for us (Psalm 24:1). You have saved us and called us to live a holy life. You did this, not because we deserved it, but because it was your plan from before the beginning of time to show everyone Your grace through Jesus Christ in us (2 Timothy 1:9). You are our amazing God.
Thoughts for the Day:
· God’s Word stated that the world is round before Columbus ever proved its spherical shape (Isaiah 40:22).
· The Bible mentions the existence of valleys and springs in the seas; yet, only until the past few hundred years did scientists have the technology to discover that there truly are deep valleys and freshwater springs in the oceans (Genesis 7:11, 2 Samuel 22:16).
· Scripture also stated that kind words and laughter are good for one's health; yet, only in recent years have published medical reports stated that laughter releases chemicals within a person's body that can contribute to one's health (Proverbs 17:22, Proverbs 16:24).
