Prairie Faith Devotions

Thoughts from Pastor Russ…

"I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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." Philippians 4:11-12

I’ve been thinking a lot about contentment lately. More accurately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my lack of contentment lately. I confess that I have bought into the mindset of our society: I always need to have something better, the biggest and best. It has cost me countless dollars, energy, and contentment. It has taken my mind off what I should be thinking about, namely what Jesus has done for me, and not just the “material blessings”. Honestly, I think God could care less about what kind of car/motorcycle I have, etc. God cares for me in ways that I’ll never understand, and for that I ought to be content.
I’ve seen a few people in my life who are truly content. Some have had “material blessings”, and some have not. Some of the most content people I’ve ever known have been folks who seemed to be lacking in every area of life, except contentment. I’m troubled because I haven’t found that kind of contentment. What I’m beginning to learn is that contentment is not automatic, it’s learned; it’s not instant, it grows over time. I’m starting to take stock and I’m learning, little by little.
As I stated in the previous paragraph, contentment is independent of circumstances. I’ve seen a wealthy person who seemed fairly content, but I’ve seen more of the opposite. I’ve seen those who seem to have nothing to show for their lives, who have debilitating illnesses, and who seem to be very content. (Doreen comes to my mind on the health portion of that last statement.) I’ve also seen some rather “entitled” folks under the same circumstances. So it’s not tied to one’s circumstances, rather it’s tied to one’s spirituality. The closer one is to God…
The next verse after the ones cited above is “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” So many folks misquote that verse, thinking it’s a secret code to wealth beyond imagination or through a devastating time. In context, it has to do with being rooted in Christ (sound familiar), and allowing God to be our contentment. That’s harder than it sounds, because we want what we want when we want it.
It is not about having happy circumstances, but about choosing to remain joyful, peaceful, and unworried during challenging times. Joy is not tied to our circumstances either. Being glad is based on happenings, but joy is a by-product of our contentment.
Contentment involves focusing on one's identity and position in Christ rather than fleeting earthly possessions or successes. The more rooted and grounded we are in Christ, the more joyous and content we become. Becoming joyous and content involves study of God’s word, rather than trying to do everything for ourselves.
Back to the “secret”, some interpret this “secret” as relying solely on the love, grace, and presence of Jesus, rather than relying on human strength or situations. That’s true, but it does take practice and work on our part.
Hopefully my thoughts “on paper” help you and me.

Respectfully,
Pr. Russ

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are humans that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?" - Psalm 8:3-4

In North Dakota and other big sky states, it is easy to be awed by the wide horizons and majesty all that one can see outside. I find this to be extra true when standing up on a butte in the Badlands or on a slight hill. There is so much one can see. What do you spot in this picture taken last September in Theodore Roosvelt National Park?

That larger perspective we get from time to time in our own lives, is the same perspective God has all the time. God sees it all and yet God still notices us and cares deeply for the concerns of even those whom the rest of the world seems to not notice. What a comfort?! And also so humbling.

That reminder of God's powerful reach, control, and also care is something that can ground us when we can be overwhlemed by everything going on in our world.

Pastor Mary Wiggins
Associate Pastor
St. John Lutheran Church
Dickinson, North Dakota.