Are you Content in your Circumstance?

Are you Content in your Circumstance? Sermon by Rev. Cynthia Carradine on February 12, 2017

Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:10-14

Our Society is marked by an “Inextinguishable Discontent.”  Our quest is Better & what is next?  We want a better job with better pay & a better boss. We want better relationships &  a better car.  We have a propensity to live endlessly for the next thing – the next weekend, the next vacation, the next experience.  We are never satisfied, never  content and Even envious of those who have what we have not attained or accumulated.

The definition of Contentment  (in biblical tense) – Satisfaction in God’s Sufficient Provision

Contentment is like a cup of cold water to a man in a desert. Get it?  Desert means thirst.

Contentment is the Promised Land!!!  When we left the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness, they were caught up in the “we want more” attitude.  What lessons do you suppose God wanted to teach them by providing only enough manna for their daily needs and no more?

Examples of Discontented thinking – Yours or those you have observed:

God, you’ve provided a job for me, but I want ______”

Why do you think some of the Israelite’s hoarded the manna God provided?

 

They were not satisfied to just receive a DAILY blessing, Like some of us!

Let’s look at what Paul said in Vs. 11. When he had much, he knew how to use it.  He had asked of God that he might be kept humble.  That when his cup ran over he might not let it run to waste–so also that he might be ready to give to those who had need.

When we are full, we forget GOD.  We are satisfied with the earthly things  and are content to do without heaven.  Being full is a much harder lesson.

Contentment invites us to look Vertically —at God. When we look in his direction, regardless of our possession or lack of status or Lack of, we know that HE is enough!

Contentment  comes when we can honestly say & agree with the apostle Paul,  “I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot.  In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret (of being content) – whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Live one day at a time – “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”

If you know Jesus, you have a God who hears you, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you and all of heaven ahead of you.

Peace & Blessing to each of you!

Amen