Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Psalm 100:4
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
And His courtyards with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
Complaining about circumstances is tempting in this world. However, the faithful must always remember the precious gift that God has extended to us. Through Christ, we have an eternal treasure. This reality should cause us to be content and to give thanks in all situations.
In 1 Timothy 6:6-11, the Apostle Paul tells us that godliness is of great gain when accompanied by contentment. Christ followers ought to be satisfied, not desiring more than what God has given us. Paul goes on to state that we should be content with basic necessities (food and covering). In our culture, this type of satisfaction is ridiculed as the Lord’s prime blessings are erroneously linked to material wealth and health.
Consequently, when we are discontent with what God has bestowed on us, we express an attitude of ungratefulness. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul conveys that in every circumstance (poverty or prosperity), he learned to be content. The Apostle’s lesson is one of reliance on God. In Christ, we are indeed sufficient and strong enough to do all things regardless of our weaknesses. We should praise Him when sickness arrives and when wealth evaporates! Our satisfaction is in Him.
When relying on Christ, our contentment becomes a direct byproduct of our thankfulness. God has given us a great promise. He is even merciful to everyone on earth in this temporal existence. Yahweh has given His common grace to the righteous and to the wicked in this fallen world. Thankfulness for His goodness and longsuffering is an appropriate response.
Discontentment and unthankfulness are the fruit of faithlessness. Ultimately, it is in God’s will for the Christ follower to give continual thanks to Him. As we trek through this foreign land, let’s show Him gratitude for His love, holiness, and sovereignty.
Psalm 106:1
Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His mercy is everlasting.
Psalm 145:8-9
The Lord is gracious and compassionate;
Slow to anger and great in mercy.
The Lord is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.
2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Colossians 2:6-7
Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:6-11
But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.