BH Bulletin

19/11/2020

Thought for the Day by Phil Washington (BH Member)

Godly Contentment
‘Be content with what you have’ - Hebrews 13:5
In the last chapter of his ‘Brief word of exhortation’ (v22), the writer to the Hebrews gives some really practical and helpful advice. As Christians, we all need to learn to be content with what we have. The Lord Jesus in Luke 3:14 told the soldiers to be content with their wages. Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:8 encourages us to be content with having food and clothing. A few verses before that he says that Godliness with contentment is great gain (v6).

Our materialistic culture persuades us to want more – always more! More what? More things, in all shapes and sizes, with the promise that once you have these things you will be satisfied and content. In reality the possessions we amass, possess us, and lead to a hollow discontent, and a hunger for even more.

In Hebrews 13:5 we are taught the reason why we as Christians can be content with what we have. It’s because we have the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, helping and leading us to experience true, deep down satisfaction of the heart. Our immense wealth as believers is that the Lord Jesus will NEVER leave us or forsake us (v5). That wealth can be relished, treasured and enjoyed WHATEVER our circumstances. In fact, the next verse calls us to boldly say ‘The Lord is my helper’ (v6), and to weave the truth of that into the living out of everyday life.

Do you know the Lord Jesus? Do you treasure and enjoy His presence above all things? We are not called to stand on our own two feet, but to find rest in the loving and all powerful arms of the Saviour.

I can say with confidence that The Lord is my helper, can you?
Phil