Be Content
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:11.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
What does it mean to be content? Some words that remind me of what it means to be content are satisfied, pleased, or happy.
In chapter four of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul was rejoicing because the Philippians cared enough for him to help support him financially.
The Philippians lost touch with Paul for two years, while he was in prison for sharing the Gospel. They didn’t know where he was. Once they heard that Paul was in prison in Rome they reconnected with him and continued supporting him.
It is important for people in ministry to have people who support their work both through prayer and financial support. When people dedicate their lives to serving God and sharing the Gospel, many times the financial support they get from those who care for them is the only means they have of caring for their own personal needs and the needs of the ministry.
Paul had learned whatever state he was in to be content. Paul knew what it felt like to be satisfied and he knew how it felt to be hungry. There were times in his life when he had plenty and times when he was in lack. He learned through it all to be content in Christ.
This is a lesson we can learn from Paul. It is easy to be content when things are going good in our lives and we have everything we want and need. It is much harder to be content when life is difficult and we are in want or lack the essentials. We need to learn to trust God enough to be content no matter what our circumstances.
Sometimes when we’re having difficulty we learn to trust God more. If life was always easy we would think we didn’t need God and that we could do everything by ourselves. Sometimes in the difficult times we learn to become more dependent on God. We learn we can’t always do things in our own strength, but we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
That reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures, which is also from this chapter, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This verse has given me strength from time to time in my life. I have quoted this Scripture over and over during difficult times and it helped me to get through some of the battles of life.
Another one of my favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” I remember claiming this verse when I lost my job. I was concerned about the future and it comforted me and soothed my spirit. It reminded me that I could trust God to supply all of my needs. When we know that we can trust God we can be content.
The writer of the book of Hebrews, which some believe may have been the Apostle Paul as well, reminds us not to be greedy or covet things we don’t have, but to be content with what we have. In Hebrews 13:5-6, he says, ”Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Things to think about:
- In what ways do you depend on God to meet your needs?
- In what ways do you lean on God for strength?
- In what ways have you become content in Christ?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this Scripture that reminds us to be content. We see that Paul learned to be content with his life no matter the circumstances. Help us to be content in Christ. Paul was thankful for the Philippians and their contribution to his ministry. Help us to be thankful for the people You bring into our lives to help support us and lift us up to You in prayer. Paul trusted You to supply all of his needs. Help us to have the same kind of faith and trust in You as Paul did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Bible Verse for Journaling and Memorization:
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
– Philippians 4:11
Have you read: The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi
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Featured Book:
The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi
by Deborah H. Bateman
About the Book:
The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.
Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.
Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.
Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.
The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.
For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.
Go to: http://bookShow.me/B00INHXUWM
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Have a blessed day,
Deborah
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