Week of November 23rd – Joy in Contentment

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:

1. Have you recently been reminded that things of this world don’t bring joy?
2. What is something that you are tempted to believe will give you joy if you could snap your fingers and possess it immediately?
3. What types of sacrifices have you made in the past just because you were discontent?
4. Share about a time in your life when God helped you be content even without what your heart desired.