Practicing Contentment In The Midst of Need!

"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 him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12,13 NIV)

In this letter to the church at Philippi, Paul encourages those who are trying do what is right for all concerned. In the midst of their own challenges, they sought to provide him with those things he needed while he was imprisoned. Remember this, when people were imprisoned in those days, they were dependent upon others for food since their jailers were not necessarily interested in attending their needs. But Paul, understanding their own plight and needs, encourages them by telling them how he's learned to be content in whatever situation he's found himself because of Jesus.

Whenever we find ourselves in situations that cause us to cringe and perhaps re-think what we're doing because everything is not coming together we way we expected it to  come together, pause and think about others who are in situations worse than ours and be grateful for what we have.

With every negative event occurring in America right now and the exposure of corruption at every level of government and --we can still exercise our right to vote by getting our feet moving in the right direction without fear of being persecuted for daring to vote.

Though some criticize Believers for their faith in God, we still have the right to worship Him, whenever we want to do so.

Even though there are hundreds of people starving everyday--in America--most of us still exercise "choice" in what we eat and how often we eat.

In spite of the "oversight" of government through surveillance at every corner, it's all for our good.

Though we may not have the car of our dreams, if we're driving anything that moves, we should be content.

If children are not wearing the most expensive gym shoes or the latest designer clothes, if they have clothes on their back and shoes on their feet that protect them from the elements, they should be content.

If we have not arrived at the place of success we desire, we learn to be content with what we have and in His strength, keep moving forward, keeping our eyes on the prize.

When life does not provide us with all we want, we should practice contentment and joy in the strength of the Lord so when we continue our journey, we are ready for all we will receive.

If we are bitter through the times of lack, we'll not be better when we have more than enough; we'll just grumble over not having more.

With whatever we have--we should learn to be content--still looking to Jesus, expecting His best in our lives--and praising Him while we wait. As long as we're alive, breathing on our own, we yet have opportunity to do good--for others and teach them by example how to wait to see the promises of God.

Instead of crying the blues over everything that doesn't go our way and being bitter, let's be better and sing songs of praise, seeking His wisdom, assuring ourselves that we will have a great day, every day!

Needs Supplied!

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

In this letter to the Church at Philippi, Paul addresses the people, thanking the them for contributing to his well-being.  He lets them know how grateful he is and that their attention to his needs would not go unrewarded by God. In verse 13, he tells them that he has learned to be content in whatever situation he has found himself in--whether full or hungry, having everything he needs or not.  This verse is a great lesson for all of us to learn to be content with what we have and not be "greedy or envious" of others. 

But Paul didn't stop there. There may have been some concern on the part of those who gave who didn't really have the resources to give and now wondered how they would survive. He assures them that every one of their needs would be met by God--no matter how little or how big.  Notice that in this verse--he proclaims all need supplied, not necessarily all wants. There is a distinct difference in having our needs met versus having everything we want.  God never promises that we'll have everything we want because some of the things we want will keep our focus on the things and not Him.  Even when it comes to people--not everyone was meant to be in our lives.  This may be why that person you thought was for you, wasn't. God knows what is best for us and He brings people into our lives that will encourage us to keep our focus on Him, not on things or people.

If you have a need today, know that God is able to supply everything you need because there is no lack in Him. However, remember that God works through people (just as Paul revealed) and sometimes we miss getting needs met because we did not appreciate who God was using to meet the need. Be careful how you treat people; they may be the answer to your prayer.

Father, thank You for supplying our every need. Help us to appreciate the vehicle used in bringing it all to pass no matter who it is or what it is.  Thank You for giving us power to get wealth through the many gifts You have given us. Now help us to use them to Your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!