Biju Thampy, a young man from India, knew poverty. When an unidentified benefactor sent him to England to be trained for the ministry, Thampy was unwilling to rest in comfort. Hungry for the realization of the Great Commission, he asked the school officials to use part of the funds from his meal provisions for missions. For him, eating only one meal a day was a small price to pay. Today, his church in Mumbai feeds approximately 1,000 children each day while teaching them the gospel. An amazing feat, but only a fraction of the city’s more than 200,000 homeless children.
The world teaches us to measure our contentment based upon our circumstances. We not only live in a “gotta have it” culture, but one telling us “have it your way.” If something you buy doesn’t work the way you want it to, return it. If a relationship doesn’t work, let it go. If your job isn’t what you wanted, find a new one. If you feel something is missing in your life, a person or material thing can make you happier. We refuse to do without.
We will always have needs, things we want, or desired improvements in our relationships. Trying to find answers in our circumstances leaves our hearts indecisive about God’s provision (James 1:5-8). Only Christ can fulfill what we truly need. Godly contentment goes beyond circumstances.
Contentment doesn’t just happen. It’s a choice that begins by seeing things from God’s perspective (Job 28:24). When we see Him as our source, our needs become defined by His heart. We choose:
• To trust in the Lord above things, people, and situations (Philippians 4:6-7).
• To pull our thoughts toward what really matters (v.8).
• To look at what we have, instead of what we don’t have and to see Christ as our source of satisfaction (vv.11-13).
More:
God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you (2 Corinthians 9:10).
Next:
How have you been looking at your circumstances from your perspective rather than God’s? How is God calling you to invest in others?
Carolyn on October 22, 2009 at 9:43 am
Thank you for this devotion. It speaks directly to the place that I’m in. Taking a huge step of faith is scary and you have no idea where you may land. I find that I am constantly asking the Lord to give me the strength I need to pursue the things of Him and what He desires of my life. I don’t have the “things” I had just 4 months ago and daily I remind myself that the Lord will always be my constant provider. I ask God daily to remind me of His love for me and that He never returns void on His promises to His children.
loschm on October 23, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Thank you! This devotion is what I needed. I am VERY thankful for what I have my family, health and friendsand especially Jesus Christ. God bless all who are at a loss of these core pieces to a great life.
Yolie on October 22, 2009 at 10:10 am
Beautiful.
owyong39 on October 22, 2009 at 7:17 pm
After reading this devotion, it makes me realize that we need to be content with the situation that we are in, and be at peace with the things happening to us constantly. Many a times, we are affected by the world view of what we should have and therefore we constantly struggle with ourselves if we don’t have or own them. I look forward daily to God’s provision and I have learnt to have faith in Him as my days pass.
lydia tejada on October 22, 2009 at 11:30 pm
I was living in a very difficult situation, but knew that it was through God’s grace that I was there,and
trusting in his word I now have my own place and
my brothers and sisters in the Lord have truly blessed me with my needs. I have learned that
things or possesions don’t make us happy, but
only a broken spirit and a relationship with Him is
where our needs are met.
aimz_84tan on October 29, 2009 at 4:50 pm
thank you!after reading this devovion i realy fel satisfied of what i have in my life of what i have accomplished……i relly like this devotion i read…..i can reflict my self….thank you for this site…….i can refresh my self…
regina franklin on November 7, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Thanks to all for your feedback. How encouraging to know there are others in this place. God continues to show me that contentment is a reality that must pervade every area of my life. Any discontentment must be holy–in a desire to know Him more and to make Him known.
I have so far to go–but He is so amazingly good. I am thankful He has promised to complete that which concerns me and to finish the good work He began.