Today’s Devotional Theme
Less is More
Daily Scripture
Philippians 4:11-13
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 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.”
Encouragement
Learning to be content in the world we live in is a challenge. Striving for more of the world is not the answer. There are people that have a lot of money but they seem to fall into pits of drugs and alcohol, or spend it so frivolously that it is quickly gone leaving them worse off than they were before. Life can be like these reality shows that have people competing to be the last man/woman standing. It's hard for me to watch as they back stab, connive, and scheme against each other. Winning someone's trust just to turn on them in the end. Doing "whatever it takes" to get to the top and win. It's a scary thought that there are people in the world that survive with a "dog eat dog" mentality. All for what? Unfortunately, the competitiveness of the world sets things up that way before us as a test to see just how far we will go before we compromise. Being busy and overly committed to things all the time can also steal your joy, causing you to become stressed and to never get the rest you need to re-energize. We can get so caught up in the chaos of what the "norm" is, that we don't even realize it! All of this can cause a separation between us and God, because it all becomes idols that receive more attention than we give to Him. This is exactly where the devil wants you to be. Chasing after the things of the world, desiring more than enough, busy and "on the go" all the time. He loves it when you "hit the door running." All the while God is saying "here I am, come to me and I will give you rest for your soul." What if everything you thought was most important was stripped away from you in an instant? I picture someone with all the craziness swirling all around them like a huge noisy storm and suddenly it stops! SILENCE, everything is still. Would God say "I never knew you"?
Apply God’s Word
Do you want more peace, more joy, more contentment? Get rid of all the distractions, recognize the things that cause you stress, possibly down size your material lifestyle, or whatever it takes to be satisfied with LESS of the world. Get back to your first love (Revelation 2:4- “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!”). Pick up your Bible, find a quite place and connect with God, make Him your priority. You will find that this simple act will fill the void in your life, and you will be MORE satisfied. Paul was satisfied in plenty and in want, because he relied on God to give him what he needed. When it was good He enjoyed it, but he didn't get too attached to those times because it could have caused him to get too comfortable and not continue to do the will of God. God is your provider, and he will make sure you have everything that you need. He deserves to be the desire of your heart.
Come into His Presence
Lord, help us to slow things down in order to connect with You more. Help us to see that less of the world and more of You is what will bring us contentment. Our trust is in You as our provider who will give us what we need, help us to realize that it is enough. We love You, Lord, in plenty and in want. We will seek you first. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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