I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Phil. 4:11-12 (ESV)
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb. 13:5 (ESV)
Do all things without grumbling. Phil. 2:14 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, there are some aspects of this life of grace for which I seem to need constant refreshment courses. Contentment is one of them. I know you’re not calling us to kill desire, demonize ambition, or decry enjoyment, and yet I totally “get” your warnings about complaining, ingratitude, and discontent.
So I come to you, Father, once again, acknowledging a need you alone can meet. Grant me the grace, peace, and beauty of contentment. Whether I have a little or a lot, am well known or forgotten, live in a palace or a garage apartment, feast on filet mignon or yesterday’s mac and cheese.
Whether I live in a season of political stability or governmental insanity, whether I feel included or left out, celebrated or underappreciated. Whether my relationships are “rocking” or are rocky, whether I have really good health, or a nagging array of maladies. Father, I want to be content—not passive or in denial, but truly grateful, not immune to pain, but alive in Jesus.
So father, by the Spirit, convict me quickly when I default to murmuring and complaining, carping and whining. Heal me of gospel amnesia—too easily forgetting my “beloved-ness” and every good thing we have in Christ. Open the eyes of my heart as I begin (and continue) this day. Let me see a little more of Jesus—actually, much more of Jesus. That’s all I need; that’s all I really need. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ all—glorious and grace-full name.
