“Stop giving!” Imagine a church where the people were so generous that they had to be told to stop giving! That is what Moses had to tell the people as they provided for the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 36:6). Why were they so generous? Psalm 26:8 reveals the heart of the people “O LORD, I love the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells.” They loved God and the place where they could meet with Him. God meant more to them than money.
Isn’t it amazing that these Old Testament believers had learned something the secret of contentment. What is the secret of contentment? We probably would all like to be content. Paul tells us that it’s something that can be learned (Philippians 4:11). What is the secret? Is it just having a little bit more? No. Paul tells us it’s something he learned when he was hungry as well as when he had plenty. It’s something you can know when you or a family member are sick as well as when you are healthy. What is it? He tells us in v13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This isn’t a verse to take and use to say I can run a 4 minute mile, or fly by flapping my arms! No, Paul is saying God’s grace is sufficient for whatever come his way. He knows that whatever happens, the sovereign Lord is working for his good. He has whatever he needs because he has what the Lord gives him and the Lord knows best.
This is why he commands the Philippians to rejoice always (4:4). Joy is not pretending everything is ok, but it’s a deep seated contentment that the loving Lord is working for your good whether you have plenty or are hungry.
Joy comes from knowing the Lord is near (v5) and when you know He’s near you can pray to Him rather than being anxious.
Knowing the Lord is in control and everything comes from Him allows us to be generous with all he gives us, this was something the Philippians had learnt as they gave generously to support the apostle Paul (4:15). Like the church in Exodus 36, they loved the Lord more than money.
Whatever you’re facing today, remember the Lord is in control and He’s good. May that give you contentment, joy and His peace that passes understanding.
Lord God, I love you. Help me to love you more than anything else so that I am content that if I have you, I have all that I need. Please help me to learn to be content with every situation you put me in, whether I am in pain, or in good health, whether I have plenty or in need. May I be able to say with Paul “I have learned in whatever situation to be content.” Amen
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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