“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
Contentment does not come naturally to most people. By nature, we are restless sheep. Yet we can learn contentment. To learn contentment, we need to stop incessantly grabbing for more.
Philippians 4:12-13 says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (NIV).
If you go to the beach in Southern California, you’ll see some beautiful, over-the-top homes, but the owners are often never around to enjoy them. They're always at work, making money to pay those massive mortgages.
They, like many people around the world, get overwhelmed with the desire to acquire. This desire pushes you to buy something you really can't afford, like a mortgage that's over your head. Then you get overextended financially, and you have to constantly hustle to make ends meet. Soon, you’re emotionally and physically exhausted, and your relationships start to deteriorate. Then you don't even have a purpose for that fancy home.
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:6, “It is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind” (GNT).
The greatest things in life aren’t things.
Some people consider it a tragedy to “die penniless.” But there’s no better time to go! If you were out of here the moment you spent your last cent, I’d call that wise, not foolish.
Nobody ever asks for things in the final moments of life. They always ask for people, because eventually everyone learns that life is all about relationships. Why not learn that sooner? It sure would relieve a lot of stress.
Life is not about achievements, accomplishments, or acquiring more things.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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