Contentment
Verse: Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Devotional:
The other day I was reminded of a story I heard years ago. I had opened the refrigerator looking for a snack and noticed that it was nearly empty. I closed the door. To clarify at this point, we live in the country about 15 miles from the nearest market. Our schedule was such that no opportunity had been available to do the weekly shopping.
A few minutes later I found myself in the same position at the refrigerator door, gazing in there longingly looking for a snack again.
Shockingly, there was still no evidence of a snack.
I asked myself, “Why do you keep gazing into an empty refrigerator?”
It reminded me of a Filipino woman I once knew, who shared a story of growing up in her native country. She often spoke of the hardships of living in poverty, the constant battle to make ends meet. As her life progressed, as a teen her entire family had the opportunity to move to the US. And in time, the family’s overall wealth increased. She would often catch her mother staring into a full, overflowing with groceries refrigerator.
Her purpose to returning time and again to the refrigerator was different than mine. She would return because she wanted to gaze into the perceived wealth of a full refrigerator represented. After going so many years without, that it was somewhat unbelievable that there was so much plenty now.
Today’s Challenge:
Are you truly content in your situation, right now, today? Do you longingly search the Internet for new items to purchase, the latest fashions, or the next Christian book that will finally fix the longing in your heart?
Or has this devotion – and the understanding of its meaning – stirred new revelation in your heart?
Write your answers and insight down at http://www.GenerousLife.net/day88.
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