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. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:12-13 HCSB

I used to confuse what I needed with what I wanted. My former supervisor used to say that if we aren’t careful we will get what we want and not have what we need. My mother used to tell me that my wants will never hurt me. Needs are those critical things that we require for survival. We need air, we need water, we need food. Most importantly, we need God.

I spent a lot of my life thinking that I needed things that I really didn’t need. I thought that I needed more income. I thought that I needed people in my life to make me happy. I thought that I needed to go out and party with my friends and coworkers after a stressful week at work. I thought that I needed to share my valuable opinion with others whether they wanted to hear it or not. I was wrong. All I need is God. Matthew 6:33 tells us that once we realize this and focus solely on Him that He will provide all that we need.

I thought that if I got what I wanted I would be happy. But, I came to realize that only when I have what I need will I have joy and contentment. People will let us down. Our circumstances are up and down. But God is steady and unchanging. We are told in Psalm 55:22 to cast our burden on Him and he will sustain us, he will never permit the righteous to be moved. We can find contentment in Christ. Isaiah 51:11 says that the redeemed will be crowned with unending joy.

Now if you are reading this and thinking that you need someone or something to make you happy, then you are missing out on what I am saying. I used to think these same things. All that kind of thinking got me was discontentment. It caused quarrels with others. James 4:1-10 explains that we quarrel with one another because we want and do not have and we covet and cannot obtain. When we rely on some one or some earthly thing or circumstance for happiness, we will be disappointed every time. That dream job can turn into a nightmare. That fancy car you wanted could spend more time in your mechanic’s garage than in your own. That good looking, sweet person in the office can turn out to be more like vinegar than sugar. So, if you think about it your wants really can hurt you. Now what my mom meant was that if we don’t get what we want, we will be fine just as long as we have what we need.

Think about what you need. What you really need more than anything else is a good solid relationship with Jesus Christ. You need to love Him with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind (Luke 10:27). This is the only way to find true contentment.

Know that when you do this, you will anger the devil. He will use people and circumstances to try to distract you, you must choose to stand firm and not allow him to do so. You must not lose focus.

Hebrews 13:5 tells us to keep our lives free from love of money and be content with what we have. 1 Timothy 6:6 tells us that there is great gain in godliness with contentment. If you are feeling discontent in any circumstance, turn to God. Focus on Him and Him alone. Trust in God to provide all you need and you may even find that He gives you what you want in some cases. But always know that He knows best. He sees your future and knows what is best for you. Trust in Him, He will never leave nor forsake you. Philippians 4:19 tells us that God will supply every need of ours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Focus on Him, trust Him to provide all that you need. In doing so, you will find that you can be content in Him. Paul wrote most of his letters from prison. He suffered a great deal for his devotion to Christ, but had learned to not let his circumstances determine his happiness. He experienced peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

My prayer for you today is that you can do the same.

Have a great day!