Listen to this devotion
Choosing Contentment
In the Word
… for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Philippians 4:11).
Of the Word
“Time for bed,” his mom called. Rushing into his room, he piled four pillows on the bed along with five books, twelve stuffed animals, seven toy cars, and two blankets. Just as his parents entered the bedroom for prayers, he gathered three action figures into his arms. “Now I have enough!” he sighed.
Do we struggle to obtain enough in life to be satisfied? If only I had this job … house … brand-name clothing … amount of money, then I would be able to rest. The apostle Paul experienced both abundance and need in life, yet proclaimed … for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Philippians 4:11). He trusted God to supply his every need, and accepted each circumstance with gratitude.
We will face situations and circumstances that are not as we had hoped. We can fret and fuss, or we can choose to accept the present for what it truly is — a gift. The gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is more than sufficient. It is what we need. It is enough! We can be content.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, may I always find contentment at the foot of the cross, trusting that You will provide all I truly need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 8/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
