...As we’ve already seen, one of the things that can rob us of our contentment is the tendency to focus on what is going to make us content in the future instead of enjoying what we have right now.
Probably one of the best illustrations of this principle is God’s provision of manna to His people in the desert. Each day, God provided just enough manna for his people to eat – even providing a double portion the day before the Sabbath so that the people would not have to gather food on the Sabbath.
But some, who were not content to just have enough for that day, tried to gather more than they needed. But just as God had promised, every time they did that, the excess would become full of maggots and create a stench.
That’s probably what Jesus had in mind when He taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” In other words, we need to learn to just be content if we have enough today and not worry about trying to hoard in order to try and provide some kind of security for the future.
Once again, there is obviously a balance here. Living in the present doesn’t mean that we don’t take prudent measures to prepare for the future. The Bible certainly teaches that we should do that. But once again, our focus is the key.
That’s probably what Jesus had in mind when He taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” In other words, we need to learn to just be content if we have enough today and not worry about trying to hoard in order to try and provide some kind of security for the future.
Once again, there is obviously a balance here. Living in the present doesn’t mean that we don’t take prudent measures to prepare for the future. The Bible certainly teaches that we should do that. But once again, our focus is the key.
If we focus on trying to accumulate wealth and possessions as our means of future security and contentment, we are going to be greatly disappointed.
But if we walk with God one day at a time according to His principles we will take the appropriate measures not because we can find security and contentment in them, but because they will be a natural by-product of our relationship with God.
I’m concerned about what is happening in the world today. But nonetheless I am completely content.
My contentment does not depend on the circumstances around me, no matter how they may look. As long as I can just be grateful for whatever God chooses to give me, as long as I can be a giver and not just a consumer and as long as I can live for today, then I can find my contentment in Jesus.
My contentment does not depend on the circumstances around me, no matter how they may look. As long as I can just be grateful for whatever God chooses to give me, as long as I can be a giver and not just a consumer and as long as I can live for today, then I can find my contentment in Jesus.
True contentment comes from only one place, complete trust in Jesus.
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