Daily Devotion With Pastor Dan – October 16th, 2020
Have you ever had occasion to rejoice before the Lord? The answer should be yes every day! What are a few things that bring rejoicing to the Christian? (1.) God’s Word (Jeremiah 16:15), (2.) Assurance (Luke 10:20), (3.) Salvation (Luke 15:3-10), (4.) Persecution (Acts 5:40-41). In (Philippians 4), we see Paul rejoicing over God’s provision for him (Philippians 4:10-23), it is a thank-you for the financial gift sent to him by Epaphroditus. It is a magnificent thing when we see God provide for our needs, and it happens sometimes through the love of other believers.
But there is much more in this passage than a thank-you by Paul in having his needs met. Notice the place of Paul’s rejoicing, “in the Lord.” Now we have many things in life to rejoice over, but how much of it is “in the Lord?” Paul recognizes that the gift was actually from God, even though it was given through the Philippians. Who is it that provides for us on a daily basis? It is God who provides for us! Who is it that gets the credit? Is it us because of our skill, our effort, our education? Again, read (Philippians 4:19).
Although he had needs, Paul is “content” in whatever state (circumstances) he finds himself in (v.11). Contentment comes from having the right attitude towards God. Contentment means having an uncomplaining acceptance of one’s lot in life. Contentment is very hard for some because they spend so much time complaining about everything around them. This becomes even more difficult when we live in a culture where everyone is the victom. So what are some signs of not being content with what we have? (1.) When we become anxious (full of anxiety) (Matthew 6:24-34), (2.) When we begin to murmur (Psalm 106:13-25). How easy it is to not be content when we forget His works, and cease to believe His Word. The result then is we end up complain about God, and complaining about others. What causes this? (1.) Thirst (Exodus 15:22-24), (2.) Hunger (Exodus 16:1-3, 8), Fear (Numbers 14:1-4), or when we become greedy (1 Timothy 6:6) (Hebrews 13:5-6). How often have we fallen into the trap of lusting after what others have, whether it’s possessions, talent, looks, position, we seem to always want what God has given others. We ought to be content with where God has put us, and with what He has provided for us.
God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us has been shown to us on a daily basis. In that we can certainly rejoice. How does contentment show in us? We trust God (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Ask yourself, “Do I trust the Lord to provide for me at all times. It’s tough sometimes when things aren’t going like we want them to, but Paul learned how to be content when everything was falling apart (2 Corinthians 11:22-28).
Our God is the God that supplied for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He supplied everything Moses needed. He supplied for every need of Joshua, David, Isaiah, Daniel, Apostles, and every believer in the history of the Church. Our God is the One who raised His Son Jesus Christ from the dead. Our God is the One who sits upon His throne in heaven at this very moment. Our God is the One who said,…..(Jeremiah 33:3)…..Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know”.
Listen, God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory (glorious riches) by Christ Jesus. Look around, watch and listen to how He constantly meets His children’s needs.