Contentment

6 Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it, 8 but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

-1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NRSV)

Sometimes we feel like we don’t have enough. Our families have real needs, and we don’t want them to suffer. Even unselfishly, we want so badly to be safe and secure. We’ve confused love with excess. While God’s love is abundant in our lives, sometimes, cars, clothes, shoes, and money are not. Yet, when we look around, we can’t help but recognize God’s grace! Even when we don’t have “enough” food or even a “home” for our families to sleep in, we can trust that God is present because God is the cause of our hope! God sees our suffering and refuses to abandon us. The Scripture asks us to be content with the daily blessings we receive. We are turning away from our desire for more “things” and towards God because God’s love is sufficient. 

Gracious and generous God, bless me to see the love and care You have brought into my life. Though my family has needs, and sometimes we struggle, it helps me grow in contentment and patience, knowing that You love us and that we are sufficient in You. Amen!

Question for reflection: In a world where so many people have so little, being content with what we have, especially concerning the loved ones that God has blessed us with, how can I balance a strong sense of contentment with my goal of wanting more for my suffering child, my elderly parent, or my ailing partner?