Contentment

1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-14; Philippians 4 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”

Philippians 4:6, 12

What is the link between anxiety and a lack of contentment?

The Western economy is based on stimulating and increasing consumption through advertising and creation of discontent with what we have. The resulting constant desire for more, and lack of contentment with what we have, can lead to anxiety. When God becomes the source and provision where our trust is placed, we can exchange anxiety for contentment and peace. Prayer is the place of exchange. When we surrender our wants and desires and anxiety for God’s peace and provision in thanking God for all we’ve received, we shift our focus from what we don’t have, to what we do have. Gratitude changes our perspective and the attitude of our heart. Unfortunately, so few have learned this secret of thankfulness and dependency on Christ in prayer. God desires to hear our requests and can transform our hearts so that His provision meets our needs rather than our wants. The secret of contentment is not based on how much or how little we have, but on our relationship with God. The choice is ours.

“Lord Jesus, You are my Source. Thank you for giving me contentment and rest in you. I pray for thanksgiving and trust to mark my life this day.”