I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)
We live in a world where our desires are constantly being pulled in different ways. Society does not leave any room for us to be content with our lives. This hinders us from being grateful for what we have and where we are in life. I would also suggest that it hinders us from being grateful for what we don’t have and where we aren’t.
1 John 2:16 says, “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” Because society is always changing, we crave for things to be bigger, faster, and better. We crave for more and are never satisfied with what we have.
Philippians 4: 11 says, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” Contentment is being satisfied or at ease in your circumstances, body, and mind.
This tells me that being “at ease” means that I am not stressed, worried or overthinking all the possibilities in my mind. I am not trying to make a way for myself, but I am allowing God to be God. I am trusting in His provision for my life. Whether I have $-15 or $10,000 in my account, an empty refrigerator or a full refrigerator, Goodwill clothes or Gucci clothes, one friend or 10 friends; I am believing that my creator will take care of me.
Gratitude flows from a humble heart that acknowledges God’s provision for your life.
The secret to gratitude is simply anchoring your identity in Jesus, acknowledging that He is the source of your life, and trusting that He will sustain you through every season whether you have plenty or little. Having your identity anchored in Jesus allows you to express gratitude in the midst of a drought or an overflow. The same God that is in your little, is the same God that is in the plenty.
Prayer:
Father, help me to see You in the midst of my plenty and little. Help me to be content and trust You in the provision for my life. I give You control. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
Where are areas in your life that you have plenty or little? Are you being content or discontent? Process your answers with God, ask him to reveal the root and ask for healing.
Written By: Ashawrie J. White
