100 Days of HopePrimjer

Contentment Versus Complacency

Most congregations, at some point, recite in harmony, “Give us this day our daily bread,” but do they stop to retain the significance of these overlooked words of the Lord’s prayer?

Read the proverb again. How often does man boast about contentment? Envy is everywhere, be it in the multi-million dollar Louisiana church or overcrowded slum in Lubumbashi. Sadly, few find fulfillment in Scripture and prayer.

Note that to be content does not mean being complacent. Often, we lose sight of how greatly we are blessed in our day-to-day lives. Travel to a developing country, and you will rediscover the beauty of simple things, such as sipping a bottle of purified water or savoring a freshly picked orange. You will also be heartbroken by the desolation. Praising God is often thought to be difficult only during hard times; however, it is often forgotten during the good times as well. We must glorify God for his sustaining grace no matter what circumstance we are in.

The Great Commission does not call us to kick back in our wealth or lose hope in our poverty. We have all been chosen with the purpose of glorifying the Lord in our relationship with Him and our relationships with others. To make disciples of all nations, we must respond to the outcry of the needs that surround us, both physical and spiritual.

Meditate on these verses of wisdom today and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in your heart. The Lord is alive and working; may the praise be to Him!

Prayer: Father, you are the Lord who gives and takes away. And in each action, you have a purpose. Thank you for your sustaining grace through the Holy Spirit! Help me to praise you and share your Word in all seasons of life.