Living in the Word – Prayer Devotional for Contentment

 

Living in the Word – Prayer Devotional for Contentment

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Keeping up with the Joneses”. I knew that it meant trying to compete in status with your neighbors, but I had no idea where the phrase actually came from. In looking it up, I found that it originated from a comic strip written by Arthur R. “Pop” Momand in 1913-1940 in the New York World newspaper. The comic was about the McGinis family attempting to “keep up” with their neighbors the Joneses.

1913-1940. Have we really changed much since then? Obviously, yes. There have been significant advancements in technology, medicine, industry, etc.

But have we changed much as a people?

We continue to try to keep up with our neighbors. Only now our “neighbors” have broadened to all of our social media friends as well. We so easily can fall into the trap of reading the highlight reel on social media and becoming envious and discontent with what we have.

While the comic strip focused on material items, it’s important to note that I am also talking about being envious and having discontentment in areas of marriage, parenting, and career. You may see or read the beautiful and wonderful snapshots that others post but aren’t privy to the messiness they have in their life, too.

Contentment then is a state of happiness and satisfaction. We are to be thankful for all that we have right in this moment! Not on payday. Not when debt gets payed off. Right Now!

God calls us to continually seek growth but in our faith of Him and love for all others. Not growth in our houses and vehicles. Our desire for growth and prosperity is not to be self-seeking. God may bless some people financially but that often is in response to faithfully tithing, working to glorify God and loving others before themselves.

And sometimes financial blessing don’t happen. We are still called to be content, happy, and satisfied with what we have.

Because we know and love God the Father, creator of heaven and earth. We believe that Jesus died and rose again for our salvation through grace alone. Because we have the Holy Spirit with us as a mighty counselor.  Do we really need more than that?!

Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your own bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.

1 Timothy 6:7-10

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Philippians 4:11-13

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. I can do everything through him who give me strength.

Luke 12:15

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heave, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the others, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

Proverbs 15:16-17

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where the is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

Ecclesiastes 4:6

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.

Proverbs 30:8-9

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?

Colossians  3:1-3

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

I sincerely pray that these scriptures meet you where you are and help you to experience contentment in what you have in life right as it is today!

God Bless!

Melissa