Being Content Amid The Discontent
But godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
The current economic crisis in America has seen a wave of discontentment and worry. Stories coming out around the country of people killing their families and themselves simply because they can’t get a job or have been laid off. To these people, there’s no hope.
For those of us who are followers of the Lord Jesus the Christ, there’s always hope if we keep our focus correct. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in things and circumstances, focusing more on the news and our current situation instead of focusing on the Lord, what He’s done, and His continued faithfulness to us, we too will lose hope.
And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? (Matthew 6:27)
Worry is a sign of a lack of faith and focus. To worry means that we’re counting more on ourselves than we are on God. We’re not drawing our strength from God’s word but from within ourselves, our own strength. We’re putting ourselves in the place of God.
Worry is a sin.
Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34)
Live for today. Plan for tomorrow. Learn from yesterday.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. (Phillipians 4:11)
Our discontent isn’t Obama’s fault. It isn’t a bad economy. It isn’t a lack of a job. It’s a lack of hope because our hearts are on things that can’t give us hope. Only Jesus can give ultimate hope and freedom.
Being content doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It simply means that reality doesn’t dominate our focus to where we lose our peace and perspective.
I encourage you today that if you’re discontent to take it to the cross. If anyone can handle it, the Lord Jesus can.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Back to The Truth Manifesto main page.
Subscribe to our RSS Feed and Podcast!
