Hi everyone! I pray you are having a good week so far. The weekend is finally here! Let’s start it off with reading Matthew 6:25-34 & Philippians 4:10-13. “Only God can fill that empty hole in our hearts and make us truly content.”
Life often feels like a restless pursuit of more—more possessions, achievements, recognition, or comfort. Yet, in the midst of this striving, discontentment can quietly disrupt our peace and joy. When we look for something or someone to fulfill our discontentment, this is where sin follows. Our discontentment convinces us that anything or anyone will make us happy, but if we aren’t fixing our eyes on Jesus to fully satisfy us, then this is sinful. We are basically telling the God who created the heavens and the earth that He is not enough. God made us for Himself. Therefore, He is our source of contentment. These two passages guide us in forsaking discontentment for true, lasting contentment.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus speaks directly to the heart of human worry and insecurity: “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (Matthew 6:25). Instead, He invites us to shift our focus away from fleeting, worldly concerns and toward the Kingdom of God, reminding us of the Father’s care and provision. Jesus points to nature as evidence of God’s faithfulness—birds neither sow nor reap, yet they are fed; lilies neither toil nor spin, yet they are clothed in splendor. These illustrations remind us that God sees our needs and cares deeply for us. Seeking His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) allows us to let go of the discontentment bred by worrying about tomorrow. Contentment begins with trust—trust that God’s plans are better than our own and that His timing is perfect. In Philippians 4:10-13, the Apostle Paul shares a personal testimony of contentment that transcends circumstances: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13). Paul experienced both abundance and need, yet he discovered a secret—contentment rooted not in external conditions but in the sufficiency of Christ. This passage reminds us that contentment is not natural; it must be learned. Through seasons of hardship and blessing, we too can cultivate a mindset that relies on Christ as our source of strength. When we rest in His power and grace, we are no longer bound by the ups and downs of life. Instead, we can find peace in knowing that we are never alone and that His provision is always enough.
Both passages challenge us to reframe our perspective. Discontentment often arises from comparison, fear, or unmet expectations. However, when we trust in God’s care (Matthew 6:25-34) and draw strength from Christ (Philippians 4:10-13), we can begin to release these burdens. Contentment is not passivity—it is a proactive choice to embrace gratitude, rely on faith, and focus on eternal treasures rather than temporary gain. Practically, forsaking discontentment may involve simplifying our lives, shifting our priorities, or cultivating habits of gratitude and prayer. It might mean surrendering our desires to God’s will and trusting Him for provision. Whatever steps we take, true contentment flows from knowing and resting in Him. Forsaking discontentment is a journey, not a one-time decision. As we take steps to trust God more fully and rely on Christ’s strength, we align our hearts with His purpose and find peace that surpasses understanding. Let Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:10-13 be our guiding lights—reminding us that our contentment is not found in the world but in the One who holds the world in His hands.
Let’s discuss what we just learned. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below, we can discuss them together!
- What makes you discontent?
- What does it look like for you to place your discontentment in Christ?
- Read Psalm 23. How does this psalm encourage your contentment in the Lord?
Today’s verse for Lent prayer is Colossians 1:21-22 and the prayer prompt is, “Pray for perseverance to keep following the light of Christ, no matter how dark the world is and feels around you.”
“The kingdom of this earth will never truly satisfy. Therefore, we are to seek God’s kingdom first.”
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Monday we will discuss Fighting Lust with Christ’s Power. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.