So, don’t worry saying, “What will we eat?” or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear? For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.     Matthew 6:31-33 HCSB

There was a time in my life when the day after Christmas might have meant disappointment in not getting the things I wanted or dread at having to return things or exchange things. Since I have found my hope and contentment in the Lord, however, I have peace and joy. Those are what I want most all throughout the year.

Now, I will say my husband does an exceptional job at gift giving. But it’s no longer about the gifts under the tree, but the greatest gift of all that hung on the cross to save a rotten sinner like me.

I used to be a very materialistic person. I used to be very concerned with what and where I ate, what I drank, and what I wore. I have learned the secret to contentment, however, just as Paul did. Paul said in Philippians 4:12, “I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.”

If we look at the passages before and after this, we will see that in verse 7, Paul said not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything with gratitude. In verse 8, he encouraged us to focus on all that is pure and simple and good. And he followed up in verse 13 by saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul knew he could endure any hardship he must face because he knew God would not put him anywhere where God without strengthening him to do what He had called him to do.

As we grow in Christ, we find contentment in Christ. We come to realize what it means to truly have peace and joy in our lives.

If we do what our Scripture passage says, our focus is on our Lord and Savior. Our desire is for our Lord and Savior. When we are focused on what we are supposed to be focused on, God provides all we need.

Often times, I would say to my mom, “I need this or that.” She would often respond with, “No, you want that, and your wants will never hurt you.”

My former supervisor used to often say, “Careful what you wish for, you might get what you want and not what you need.”

All we need is a whole lot of Jesus. When we have Him in our lives, He will take care of everything else. Trust in Him today.

As we head into the New Year be sure to get what you need and that’s Jesus.

Have a great day!