Love God Greatly - the Greatest Gift GivenSample

Gratitude for Gifts

Read: Philippians 4:10–20

SOAP: Philippians 4:18–19

For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

In a world that screams at us that we need to buy more, have more, do more, Jesus gives us a beautiful counter-culture option to quiet the shouts: contentment. When I was little, my Christmas wish list was comprised of all the latest toys I saw during Saturday morning cartoons or the cutest outfits I’d circled in the department store catalog that arrived in our mailbox in November. Add in social media and YouTube reviews, and my daughter has an even longer—and more complicated—wish list of her own, full of items I know she neither needs nor will enjoy much longer than Christmas morning.

Maybe you have a similar process in your home, but as any gift-giving holiday approaches, we take a careful look at all the “things” we already have. We find some items that we are happy to share with a friend or items that we know will bring someone else more joy to make room for something new. But ultimately, we take a long hard look at how grateful and content we’ve been with what we already have. Are the “must-have” toys and games tossed in a corner, collecting dust, or already broken? Have we taken care of what we already have in a way that shows that we’re ready for what’s next? 

When Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians, he shared that he discovered the secret to a joy-filled life: finding contentment no matter his circumstances. Whether in times of need or times of abundance, whether he was living freely or in jail, whether he was hungry or satisfied, Paul was content because he found joy in the Lord. Paul knew he was weak and that Jesus would provide all that he needed. God will do the same for us. Let’s give Him thanks!

Prayer

God, You are generous and loving, and I am so grateful that you are always more than enough no matter my circumstances. Help me take some time to pause and reflect with a grateful heart on all that You have done in my life so I can be content and full of Your joy this season. Amen.