Often in life we battle between our needs and wants. Have you come across someone who has less than what you have yet are more happy? Being content with what you have is a blessing. God has called us to lead a life of contentment. He wants us to be happy with what we have and not envy at others who have more. Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours." When Jesus was on earth He taught everyone a beautiful prayer. Ask for His will to be done. Ask for Him to come soon. Ask for Him to supply your food. Ask Him for forgiveness. Ask Him for protection from temptation. In addition ask for joy in the midst of sorrow. Ask for strength in the midst of weakness. Ask for patience in the midst of suffering. Ask for peace in the midst of problems. Ask and you will receive(Matthew 7:7)!
We need to be mindful of what we ask. God has called us to lead a life of Godliness. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 says,'But Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.' He goes on to say in verse 11, 'But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.'
We do not receive some things we ask because we ask them with selfish motives(James 4:3). We ask so that we may lead a luxurious life. We compare ourselves with others. That only leads to worrying. We look at people who have no fear of God or even lack a good conscience, yet are wealthy. We get so worked up about it. We just can't stop thinking about them. We forget that we serve a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills! The wealth in every mine! Money is not going to get you to heaven. The world we now live in is just a temporary shack. Our purpose is higher. There is a greater calling.
But as humans we all want to have a good life as long as we live on earth. Our God is the creator the whole universe and beyond. We read in Psalm 50:10-12 about God's wealth. The world and all in it belongs to Him. And the best part? When we believe in Him, we become His children and He, our father!! (John 1:12) Won't He bless you? Won't He supply all your needs? Let me prove to you that He will. His words are true and he keeps His promises.
Psalm 34:9, 10 - ..Those who fear the Lord lack nothing...Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Psalm 37:25,26- ..Yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; Their children will be a blessing.
2 Peter 1:3- His divine power has given us everything we need for a Godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.
John 10:10 - I have come so that they may have life and have it abundantly.
How do we have life?
Proverbs 19:23- The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
When Jesus was on earth, although He was the Son of God, He chose to lead the life of a common man. There were times when He went hungry. There were times when He was thirsty. There were times when the disciples did not have money to pay tax. They always walked from one place to another(Not that cars were in town but donkeys were!). They were not rich enough to feed to five thousand(men alone). Even apostles like Peter, John, Paul and many more were not leading a life of luxury. In Phillipians 4:12, 13 Paul says, 'I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty. 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 Christ who gives me strength.' They all had the word of God in their hearts and an unshakable faith In God. They believed that nothing is impossible with God!
We need to take one day at a time. We must not worry about tomorrow. We must be renewed in mind and soul each day by spending time with God. Our soul must be rich with the word of God. We need to help one another in need because He who gives money to the poor lends to God Himself. The more you are generous and helpful, the more you store up treasures for you in heaven. Greater will be your reward. Commit your ways to the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. God has called us to lead a life of godliness and holiness. God wants us to be content. Matthew 6:33,' Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will given to you as well.' He will feed you, clothe you and grant you all your needs. Humble yourself in the hands of God and He will lift you up in due time!
Finally, 'Dear friend, I pray that all may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well' - 3 John 2
Aim for spiritual wealth and and everything else will follow.
