2005-01-09 - Contentment

Psalm 1, Part 6

Finally, there is the promise of prosperity for the believer who is immersed in God’s word. Yes! In the context of the Old Testament, for Israel in the land, this was a promise of material prosperity. But this is not, I repeat, not true for the church age. The prosperity we have to look forward to is that the Lord will bless us as we are obedient to Him. The blessing will be the growth of our relationship with Him, and it makes sense that as we spend time in the Word, we will grow in our understanding of God, and therefore grow in our relationship with Him and be blessed.

So as we spend time in God’s word, as we draw nourishment from it, then the Holy Spirit will live it out in our lives. As a result, we will truly grow in our love of God and of each other. And this love will be manifested in how we care for one another, and how our concern for the lost will drive us to give them the message of hope and salvation. Then we will see the unrighteous come to salvation and the righteous reach maturity.

As the Lord becomes the focus of all we are, as His word becomes the foundation and sustenance of our lives, we will no longer be overwhelmed by the waves of circumstances. We will be able to walk on water, and with Paul, we will be able to say, “ …for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12).

Then we will truly be able to rejoice in all circumstances, for we will truly live in the reality of being children of the King. Isn’t God’s love wonderful? Isn’t God’s grace amazing?

To be continued.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

pastor@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org