Are You Content?...

Most people spend their entire lives striving for something greater. They desperately wish they could have more money, a new car, a new spouse, or a new house. But researchers have found a link between gratitude and the quality of life, the strength of your relationships, and even how well you sleep at night. In short, being thankful for what you already have can make you happy. Which is something we should already know as Christians.

The apostle Paul once wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Notice, he didn’t say rejoice in circumstances; he said, rejoice IN the Lord. Our hope doesn’t come from everything going our way, it comes from the Lord. Our hope doesn’t come from possessions or entertainment or governmental authorities, it comes from the Lord.

In fact, Paul continued, “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 all things through him who strengthens me.” (verses 11-13). Keep in mind, Paul was under house arrest when he wrote these words. Yet he was content.

So think about your life right now. Can you learn to love what you have instead of what you don’t have? Do you spend more time praying for things or giving thanks for what you already have? I promise, what you have in Christ is far greater than anything you don’t have.

And if you have Jesus, you have everything you need for now and eternity. And Jesus has you. Which makes all the difference in the world. Contentment comes when we rejoice in the Lord.

Give thanks to God today!

Love You All, Pastor Tanner

(Editor’s Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)