Being Satisfied


Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11

Whatever our situation, God wants us to be satisfied but is seems that we are not an easily satisfied people. We want more things, better jobs, more respect, and an easier life. We are always striving for more in this world, even though we know we already have what is most important, salvation through Jesus Christ.

Satisfaction is a form of peace from the Lord. Being satisfied that we are where He wants us to be and are doing what He wants us to do brings us rest from our struggles. We need to accept that God has chosen this time and this place for us to be. He has chosen our work, who we work with, and what we have for this time.

We may believe that there is more out there for us to do. Sometimes we want to do more for God, but feel stifled and stuck. If we take a breath and realize that not everything has to happen today or tomorrow, that God wants us here right now, our lives will be less stressful.

It is not that we don’t want to plan or look forward to what might happen in the future, but we can’t let it frustrate or depress us while we wait. God will open doors in His time and in His way. It is fine for us to envision what we think might be a better future, if we also accept that God may have a different plan.

We often ask God why life is so stressful, only to find out that we are the ones who make it so by fretting and worrying over things out of our control. Our situation may not be ideal as the world views it, but if we can be satisfied where we are, we will experience much more peace.

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

We all want to be content, and we think that we will be content if God will just give us what we ask for. But contentment comes from trusting God to lead our way not by God doing things our way. When we are in difficulty, we ask it to be removed, but to be content if it is not removed is true Godliness.

We will all want what we don’t have. We will all be involved in circumstances beyond our control. God wants us to be satisfied with what we have been given during these times so that we can wait on Him and see what great things He will do in the future.

If we are always fretting about our lot in life, we will miss the marvelous things that God is doing all around us. We will not experience His strength when we are weak, or be upheld by His right hand when we are falling.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13

Satisfaction where we are and seeking to be where He wants us to be is the secret to peace and contentment. Being satisfied with what has been provided and taking one day at a time will bring us joy. We must truly believe that God knows what He is doing, and we have only to commit our ways to Him to be satisfied in life.

The closer our relationship with God, the more He will lead us into greater work for Him.  All else means nothing. Only what we do for Christ matters. He will always be with us and He has given us instructions to show Him to the world. If we are not satisfied with what God has provided, we cannot show how wonderful it is to know Him.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10


Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to be satisfied with what you have provided and where you have placed us. Let us draw closer to you daily and ask only what we can do for you. If our lives are difficult, let us be content while you make us stronger. Help us to take the steps that you lead us to take, showing the world how great your loving kindness is to us all. Amen.

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