What are your daily needs? What are the things you absolutely need to survive? That is something I have asked myself often looking into a closet full clothes trying to find something to wear. Do things clutter your house and your life? Have you wished for something that you wanted but did not need? Not that wanting is terrible, but have you let it consume you at some point? I know I am guilty.
Contentment with the things we have does not come automatically. Paul in his letter to the church in Philippi tells us this “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” (Philippians 4:11-12). Paul states “I have learned” he did not get contentment automatically either. Paul’s life was full of extremes. At times, he had nothing while others he had everything.
What was Paul’s secret? Why was he so content in whatever state? Paul knew how God had worked in his life. Here is what Paul knew. No matter what you need all help comes from God. He is the Creator, All-Powerful God of the universe. There is nothing He cannot do. (Jeremiah 32:27). While God already knows what we need, we show our need for Him when we ask for His help. (Philippians 4:6a) There is nothing we can do without God allowing it to happen. Our expression of our need for Him develops our faith in Him. Once we ask God for help, we should trust God to supply our needs. (Philippians 4:19).
Also, we should be thankful for all God has given us. (Philippians 4:6b). Whatever we have, thankfulness demonstrates appreciation. It acknowledges you received something you did not possess before. It gives honor to the provider for their act of kindness. Contentment is essential in our day to day life. When we are content, our focus is not on ourselves but on the One who takes care of us. Thank you, God, for the clothes I have, food to eat, and shelter over my head.
What are the necessities you need to live day to day? Has God provided them to you?
Have you thanked Him for them?
“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.”
(I Timothy 6:6-8)
