I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Phil. 4:11-12 (ESV)
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Heb. 13:5 (NLT)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, these verses are as familiar as sunrise and sunset. And yet, like the glorious morning and evening skylines, I can easily ignore the wonder of these words. First and foremost, I thank you for being a Father who will never fail or abandon his children. Secondly, I’m grateful you study our needs, and answers our needs joyfully and generously, not begrudgingly. You are amazing.
Accordingly, Father, like Paul, I want to be much more content with what I have and who I am. For the more content I am, the more present I’ll be in relationships—not stressing or even thinking about what I don’t have. I’ll be more generous—quicker to acknowledge everything I have, I’ve received as a gift from you. Greater contentment will also make me more flexible and spontaneous in serving you. I’ll enjoy, but won’t be defined by creature comforts, bank balances, or material possessions.
Father, growth in contentment is growth in grace, so supersize the chambers of my heart to receive more of your grace. Rescue me from my pathetically small notions of your love, goodness, and faithfulness. Liberate me for being, not just satisfied in Christ, but overwhelmed, overjoyed, and overflowing with every good thing you’ve given us in Jesus. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ powerful and beautiful name.
