I am thinking about, pursuing, and practicing the Word of God to bring to you these meditations on contentment. Each morning my husband (Jack) leads me to a devotional thought for the day. We have been greatly blessed and stretched by “Daily Remembrancer,” (ISBN 981-05-3518-X), a book first published in the 1800s by Pastor James Smith. He wanted the people of his parish to daily “think upon these things” so he produced these reminders in book form for their use. The book has been updated and revised by editor Dr. S. H. Tow of Singapore. Each page offers a thought provoking message that is not to be ignored.
As I read, study, ponder, and pray about this series on contentment, certain treaties jump out at me that I just have to share. Page 488 of the above mentioned book is one of those messages which so eloquently states what I would like to direct you to. I have read and reread it several times. It is based on Job 5:8 and follows:
“ ‘UNTO GOD WOULD I COMMIT MY CAUSE.’ There is no sounder advice than this. It is the counsel of a real friend. It is much better than seeking unto men, or poring over troubles, or indulging the imagination, or giving way to fears. Troubles generally look worst in the distance: they are seldom found to be as bad as they appeared to be. My friend, I know not what may be your case, but if I were in perplexity, I would seek unto God for wisdom. If I were in sorrow, I would seek unto God for comfort. If I were in weakness, I would seek unto God for strength. If I were under guilt, I would see k under God for pardon. If I were in doubt and fear, I would seek unto God for confidence and a sense of His favor. If I were under the power of unbelief, I would seek unto God for faith. If I were harassed by Satan, I would seek unto God to lift up a standard against him. If I were afraid of falling, I would seek unto God to uphold me with the right hand of His righteousness. If I were fearful of death, I would seek unto God to turn the shadow of death into the sunshine of God’s morning. Whatever you want, seek it of God. Whatever you fear, carry it to God. Whatever troubles you, lay it before God. You cannot seek Him in vain, or without profit.”
What more can I add? Just a few thoughts from Scripture should be helpful. When discontentment comes to our mind, heart or emotions, our stabilizing source is the Word of our Father God, Who knows all about it even before we talk to HIm about it. Let’s take a look:
“Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” Psalm 55:22. God has promised, dear believing friend. Talk your heart out to Him. He longs for you to do that _____. He groans for you to do that________.
“ . . . I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content ...” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4: 12, 13. My search helped me to understand and appreciate the Greek meaning of the word “strengthen.” It means “to put power in.” Because we are believers in Christ, He infuses us with His strength and sustains us until He sends provision.
Song -- “I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.”
“ The peace of God . . . shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7
Norma Whitcomb
PiC -- Positioned in Christ
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