The Hunt for Contentment
November 5
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Philippians 4:12
Praise God for directing Paul to place that verb "learned" in this verse. Contentment in Christ is a process not a human attribute.
Driving home from the beach this week, I realized a shopping desire has greatly subsided in me. Good thing as our income has greatly subsided as well. When the children were young and we would be visiting another city, one of the first things I would do (before Google days) was run right for the yellow pages in the hotel room and look up the category of children's clothing. I loved to shop for clothes for our children. As the years of them wearing what I wanted them to wear wained, I shifted to cooking stores and antique shops looking for that unique find.
A newly engaged, young, twenties something friend of mine stopped by to visit and she was discussing setting up housekeeping with her husband to be and how her future mother in law had offered numerous pieces of furniture. This young woman explained that while that was very nice, she finds satisfaction in "the hunt" for that special piece of furniture. I can totally relate as there was a thrill in the wedding planning this fall of finding plates, napkins, lanterns, etc. at a discounted price at TJ Maxx and Marshall's.
We are all hunting for something. God created us that way, so that we would find Jesus. As I drove past what would have been past shopping temptations, I laughed as I realized my hunt was for radio stations with God's Word being preached. For almost 5 hours I was excited to be alone with the Lord and I was hungry for more of Him. I did come across an amazing message by John MacArthur on The Real Meaning of Christmas, the Incarnation of Christ. I think the website is www.gty.org (Grace to You...His church is Grace Church in L.A., California).
What we learn as we hunt for Christ like living, is we learn to be content and realize that by reflecting on the past that God really does work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. No matter if we are happy or sad, well fed or ravished, rested or worn to a frazzle, pocket books full or penniless, when we have Jesus in our hearts and remember what He has done for us and what is to come, we find contentment. There is no greater love than the love of someone who gave it all for us. If you haven't found that peace which passes understanding, don't stop hunting. God will leave the clues for He wants you to be a winner in the hunt for Him, the Captain of Contentment!
Let's pray: We praise You this morning Father for who you are and how you love us unconditionally. Forgive us for when we misconstrue the longing for You and substitute things and activities for the true source of contentment. Thank You for the clues you have left behind...Your Word, the example of Christ and fellow believers,and the church bells which ring out to us to come in and see how the Holy Spirit can fill us up. Help us to realize what we think will make us content is temporal and You are eternal.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Happy Hunting for Him!
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Philippians 4:12
Praise God for directing Paul to place that verb "learned" in this verse. Contentment in Christ is a process not a human attribute.
Driving home from the beach this week, I realized a shopping desire has greatly subsided in me. Good thing as our income has greatly subsided as well. When the children were young and we would be visiting another city, one of the first things I would do (before Google days) was run right for the yellow pages in the hotel room and look up the category of children's clothing. I loved to shop for clothes for our children. As the years of them wearing what I wanted them to wear wained, I shifted to cooking stores and antique shops looking for that unique find.
A newly engaged, young, twenties something friend of mine stopped by to visit and she was discussing setting up housekeeping with her husband to be and how her future mother in law had offered numerous pieces of furniture. This young woman explained that while that was very nice, she finds satisfaction in "the hunt" for that special piece of furniture. I can totally relate as there was a thrill in the wedding planning this fall of finding plates, napkins, lanterns, etc. at a discounted price at TJ Maxx and Marshall's.
We are all hunting for something. God created us that way, so that we would find Jesus. As I drove past what would have been past shopping temptations, I laughed as I realized my hunt was for radio stations with God's Word being preached. For almost 5 hours I was excited to be alone with the Lord and I was hungry for more of Him. I did come across an amazing message by John MacArthur on The Real Meaning of Christmas, the Incarnation of Christ. I think the website is www.gty.org (Grace to You...His church is Grace Church in L.A., California).
What we learn as we hunt for Christ like living, is we learn to be content and realize that by reflecting on the past that God really does work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. No matter if we are happy or sad, well fed or ravished, rested or worn to a frazzle, pocket books full or penniless, when we have Jesus in our hearts and remember what He has done for us and what is to come, we find contentment. There is no greater love than the love of someone who gave it all for us. If you haven't found that peace which passes understanding, don't stop hunting. God will leave the clues for He wants you to be a winner in the hunt for Him, the Captain of Contentment!
Let's pray: We praise You this morning Father for who you are and how you love us unconditionally. Forgive us for when we misconstrue the longing for You and substitute things and activities for the true source of contentment. Thank You for the clues you have left behind...Your Word, the example of Christ and fellow believers,and the church bells which ring out to us to come in and see how the Holy Spirit can fill us up. Help us to realize what we think will make us content is temporal and You are eternal.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Happy Hunting for Him!
