by Rev Steve Nickodemus

Focusing on the Giver!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“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.”
Philippians 4:12

My hometown loves to put up murals, and this mural, titled “Freedom From Want”, is one of my favorites. Part of the “Four Freedoms” by Norman Rockwell, it pictures an abundant Thanksgiving dinner with an extended family around the table.  There’s no problem with having enough food here!

However, even when surrounded by a tremendous amount of material blessings, you may find yourself struggling to be content.  It seems that, no matter how much I may have, it is never quite enough to make me feel satisfied or at peace.  In the Bible verse above, Paul tells us that there is a secret to being content, and the contentment does not depend on the amount of worldly blessings you may have.  For “whether living in plenty or in want,” the Apostle has learned the secret of contentment.

His secret?  The secret is found in the very next verse, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Aha!  The secret of contentment is not found in the amount of material wealth or abundance I may have, but it is found in the One who gives.  If I am focused on the “stuff” around me I will miss the joy of contentment in the Giver, who gives me strength and contentment.

What does this Giver give?  Why, everything!  Homes, clothing, food, health, family, friendships, government, peace, and many more blessings than we can ever list.  Also, much more than that, the Giver gives us His own Son!  He does not withhold the Lord Jesus from you, and me, who so desperately need Him.  He satisfies our deepest, deepest, need. The need for a Savior, for pardon from our sins, from freedom from fear, punishment, and death.

The secret of contentment is in the Giver and in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ!

O, give thanks unto the Lord!  For He is good and His mercy endures forever!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado