“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
In a world where so many things glitter and appear like gold, we as Christians are admonished to love not the world or the things that are in the world because these are not of God our Father. We lust after material possessions and sometimes commit grievous sins to acquire them, only to discover they do us no good. But we are promised that when we do the will of God from the heart, we will abide forever, and our joy will be complete (1 John 2:15-17). This, to me, speaks of contentment.
Joy and contentment may be defined as a state of inner peace and satisfaction not derived from material wealth or status. In fact, joy and contentment can be present even where there is personal suffering or loss. Jesus was about to be crucified and was spending the last moments with His disciples. Their hearts were sorrowful because of what He said to them. They had walked with Him, talked with Him, seen His miracles, felt His compassion, and now He was about to leave them.
But He encouraged them, saying, “…I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:22 – KJV). When we have the joy (and hope) that Jesus gives, no one can take it away. He is always with us. Ask and receive the joy, inner peace, and tranquility in spirit that will remain in spite of the turmoil around us.
James, in his letter, encouraged us to count it “all joy” when our faith is tested (James 1:2-3), and Paul the apostle suffered both physically and psychologically but would gladly suffer again for the sake of the Gospel. He confessed, “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content”(Philippians 4:11 – KJV). He was content to suffer, and we should be too because the joy of the Lord gives us the strength to overcome. When we are weak, God is strong.
Friends, let us ask so that we can receive, and our joy and contentment will know no bounds.
Read: Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 96; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Ecclesiastes 9:13-18; Ecclesiastes 10; Ecclesiastes 11; Ecclesiastes 12
God wants us to mind which stay and focus on spiritual things. The worldly things makes you confused only the Grace of God will save us. The word of God said who he loves he chasenth or he corrects us. Asked and it shall be given, seek and you will find. Knock and it will opens to us.