THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13 It was not unusual for John and me to enjoy lunch together. What was unusual was his revelation. I knew he wanted to spill something out as he nervously played with his food. Then he told me. The Texas lotto had a record amount of top price in the millions of dollars. So he bought several tickets and he wanted to let me know because he felt pretty good about his chances. He was going to give to the church more than ten percent if he won, he promised me. He just did not want me to find out in the papers. I teasingly, sort of, told him he had a better chance of blessing people with his money by throwing them out his car window as he drove busy streets. I also told him that telling me about he did sounded more like a confession rather than than simply giving me information. Which meant he felt guilty about what he did. Which was a good sign that his conscience was at least functioning. Contentment has nothing to do with how much we have. Contentment has everything to do with trusting Christ for everything. It is finding our joy and fulfillment in Him. It is seeing Him as real in the good and the hard times. It is taking to heart His word that My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is remembering that there is nothing we have that He did not provide: Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). Jesus told us, What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met (Matthew 6:31-33, MSG). By the way, John did not win the lottery. Hopefully he realized he always have had something, Someone, better. Much better. His God and Savior and Lord who is life and joy and satidfaction. And who cares for him and loves him. Hopefully he realized it is not about the provision but about the Provider. Money cannot begin to touch what the Lord Jesus can only give. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:30:16 +0000