Contentment and Thanks...

Thanksgiving and contentment, these go together just as much as your thanksgiving meal of turkey and mashed potates.  Seems impossible during this time of the year to not have both. Same holds true when it comes to being able to give thanks, it will come with learning how to be content. Contentment doesn’t just happen; it is a learned trait. Paul said he learned to be content in ALL circumstances.  Not all circumstances were great, or even slightly good, BUT he still learned, somehow, someway, to be content.  Contentment can basically mean “to be satisfied with what one has”, yet this word also carries the idea “to be satisfied to the point where one is not disturbed or disquieted by their current situation”. What if your situation isn’t good, or what if your situation is a bad one?  What if you have more bills than money?  What if you facing a mountain that seems to be big to overcome?  Are we just supposed to “satisfied” and think “well it is what it is, it must just be the “luck of the draw” and after all doesn’t the bible say to be “content”?  Paul said in Philippians 4:16-17 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We are to let God know about those things that is causing us to be anxious yet do it with THANKSGIVING. Now some would say, why, or even how. When Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians it was roughly 5-6 years after he had written another very well know verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” Now contextually Paul is talking being under attack by the kingdom of darkness, yet the principal can still apply. What principal? That God’s grace is sufficient for us, in everything, every season, every situation. Good or even bad, His grace, is what can and will help us in everything. Now get this before Paul writes this verse in 2 Corinthians, a couple years before hand he wrote 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” So, Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, didn’t just encourage the church to not worry, but pray with THANKS, he also practices what he wrote, to give thanks in everything, and be content in every situation. Again, why? Because the grace of God is what will help us more than worry, or anything else. So, when you find yourself starting to get a little anxious, remember pray but not don’t pray do with a thankful, grateful heart, and allow the Prince of Peace to be the peace to guard your heart and mind. Happy thanksgiving! Much love, Pastor Michael