Encouragement for Today - May 7, 2007

May 7, 2007

A Heart of Contentment

By Susanne Scheppmann

1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (NIV)

Devotion:

Contentment eludes most of us much of the time. We covet what others have that we do not. It may be beauty, cars, homes, thinness, sex appeal, clothes, money, or a host of other items or qualities that we value. Day after day, we hear how inadequate our lives are without all of these things. Advertisers coax us with the promise that if we purchase their products, then we will be happy and, best of all, others will covet what we have.

Today as I sat down to work, I felt anxious and irritable. My mind raced on about what would make me happier and more content. My thoughts hopped from weight-loss, to more money, to a needed vacation, to less pressure in work, and to maybe a facelift.

Perhaps it’s not my face that needs a lift, but my life. Hmmm ... I definitely need a life-lift. I had just read a magazine with pictures included about Hollywood hot couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Discontent and depression crept in as I read each paragraph and looked at the airbrushed photos. Yes, I admit, I devoured the whole silly article. I bought into the lie of this world that my life didn’t measure up.

My dysfunctional thinking eventually landed me in bed—depressed. Then, I reminded myself I had a devotion to write. I went for a long walk around my neighborhood. The sun shone brightly, a breeze blew briskly, the birds chirped, and I felt God’s whisper in my spirit, “Now, Susanne, what more do you really need?” Tears sprang to my eyes. I admitted humbly that I need nothing, nothing but a spiritual spanking from the Holy Spirit. “Oh, Father, forgive me,” I prayed. “Why do I always want more and more?”

Are you battling discontent and depression? Does getting out of bed seem like a monumental task? If yes, let’s decide together to follow the advice of Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (NIV) The term fear means to revere and respect. When we grumble with discontent, we are demonstrating our lack of reverence and respect of what God has supplied in our lives. Our key verse, “Godliness with contentment is great gain,” points us to what brings a heart of contentment—godliness with contentment.

A heart of contentment awaits. Let’s allow it to become a reality in our lives today.

Dear Lord, I thank You for all the blessings You have given so graciously to me. Please forgive my discontent and grumbling. Help me discover the contentment that comes only when I place You first in my life. Teach me to keep a heart of contentment. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Perplexing Proverbs by Susanne Scheppmann

Listen to Today's P31 Radio Show

Do You Know Him?

Application Steps: 

In a notebook list at least twenty-five blessings that God has provided for you. Review the list when you feel thoughts of discontent creeping into your mind. Memorize 1 Timothy 6:6 and Proverbs 16:23.

Reflections: 

What prompts my discontent? (magazines, TV, movies, etc.)

Do I revere and respect God?

Am I grateful for the blessings in my life?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:11-12, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.” (NIV)

Hebrews 13:5, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org