Key Thought:
A major
source of unhappiness for millions of people is their discontentedness.
Their lives are always filled with the pursuit of something that seems
to be just beyond their reach. They are convinced this "something" is
exactly what they need to make their life whole. When the goal of this
pursuit is anything other than the God of the Bible, discontent ignites
self-destructive decisions. Consequently, these misguided people make
substantial compromises, and even sacrifices in their quest for the
object of their desire.
Consciously or unconsciously
discontented people believe that happiness is found in possessing
things (a new car, a nicer house, the latest tech gadget); people (a
best friend, a baby, a spouse); status (title, promotion, cool clothes
or jewelry); security (big pay check, retirement, lots of insurance).
Oftentimes people who are driven to acquire something they believe will
make them happy actually acquire their goal only to find they did not
acquire contentedness or joy.
The Christian understands that
he/she has the ability to approach God with his/her needs, wants and
desires. In choosing to ask God for what we want we are also giving him
permission to refuse us, because we have confidence in God’s wisdom.
It’s confidence in God and trusting him with our lives that allows us
to have a deep contentment and joy. If he refuses us, we can know it
was for a good reason. However, if he gives us our request we know it
came from him and that it didn’t come to us because we chose to
sacrifice our soul.
Bible Reading:
Monday – Matthew 5:12
Tuesday – Luke 19:37
Wednesday – Philippians 4:1-9
Thursday – Philippians 4:10-13
Friday – Acts 8:25-39
Key Questions to Ponder During the Week:
- Have you recently been reminded that things of this world don’t bring joy?
- What is something that you are tempted to believe will give you joy if you could snap your fingers and possess it immediately?
- What types of sacrifices have you made in the past just because you were discontent?
- Share about a time in your life when God helped you be content even without what your heart desired.
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