Devotion: Be Content with What You Have
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
As a teenager, one of my favorite pastimes was visiting a local hobby shop to play trading card games with my friends. Every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, we would gather to participate in card tournaments, sharing in camaraderie and fun. The gentleman who ran the shop had a profound love for all things nerdy, from trading cards and comic books to sci-fi movies. For a young man who found these same things fascinating, it was refreshing to see an adult who enjoyed them as well.
Unfortunately, as I transitioned out of my teenage years, the hobby shop closed down. The place where my friends and I congregated every weekend was gone, leaving only memories of a kind man who shared our love for nerdy hobbies. I cherished the tournaments and the relationships we had built at that shop. After it closed, I thought I would never have such a place to be with my friends again.
About five years later, I unexpectedly ran into the man from the card shop. He shared with me how our presence in his store had left a great impact on his life. He described us as “respectful young men” who “remained content even when things didn’t go our way.” This encounter reminded me of the profound message in Hebrews 13:5, urging us to be content with what we have, for God has promised never to leave or forsake us.
The Bible calls us to be thankful for and content with everything we have. Our families, health, meals we can share with loved ones, and life itself—these are all precious gifts from the Lord. Yet, discontent, greed, or fears can prevent us from fully appreciating and treasuring these gifts. We don’t know what the future holds. There may be times when our social settings or comforts are taken away, or we may face even greater challenges. However, as children of God, we are assured of His continuous love and care. The Lord Himself is our helper in this perilous life.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank You for being our reliable helper and protector. Teach us to be content with what we have and to recognize the abundant blessings You have given us. Fill our hearts with thanksgiving, even in difficult times. Through Jesus, Your Son, we pray. Amen.
Thoughtful Questions:
- Reflect on a time when you felt content despite a challenging situation. What helped you to feel that way?
- How can you remind yourself of God's promise to never leave you or forsake you in your daily life?
- What are some practical ways you can cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude for the blessings you have?
- In what areas of your life do you struggle with discontentment or greed, and how can you address these feelings with faith?
Live by faith, be known by love, and serve as a voice of hope for others.
Andy Ginn
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