GOD IS EVER PRESENT: BE CONTENT
Hebrews 13:5

The way we think has a big effect on how we live our lives.Our thoughts shape our attitudes, choices, and emotions. When our thinking is negative or focused on the wrong things, we can become stressed, unhappy, or restless. One common wrong way of thinking is discontentment—feeling that what we have is never enough.

Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that our peace and happiness do not come from what we own, but from knowing that God is always with us.

What is God’s Will for us? Be Free from the Love of Money

God’s will for us is to live without being controlled by the love of money. In the Bible, money often represents human ability and resources—what people rely on to meet their needs. To “love money” means to trust in our wealth or possessions instead of trusting in God.

As John Piper explains, “The heart that loves money is a heart that puts its hopes, pleasure, and trust in what human resources can offer.” Loving money is like having faith in money—it’s believing that money can give us happiness, security, or success.

But money is only a resource—it helps us do things, but it is not the source of life. God is our true source. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” To love God fully means to trust Him completely. As Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” We cannot give our full love to God if we are also depending on money for peace and security.

Money Itself Is Not Evil

Money is not bad—it is neutral. It can be used for good or evil. We use money to pay for our needs, help others, and give to God’s work. Many people in the Bible, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, andDavid, were blessed with wealth. God not only gives resources but also gives the ability to earn them.

In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul tells the rich “not to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” God is generous. He blesses us so that we can enjoy His gifts and use them to bless others.

However, when we start to depend on those blessings instead of on God, we fall into danger. In Deuteronomy 8:11–14, God warned Israel not to forget Him when they became wealthy and comfortable in the Promised Land. When life becomes easy, people often forget who gave them their blessings. Verse 19 warns that if they forget the Lord and turn to other “gods” (like money or success), they will perish.

We face the same choice today—will we love the Giver (God) or the gift (money)? Loving the gift more than God leads to emptiness and spiritual failure.

How to Be Content with What You Have

The second part of Hebrews 13:5 says, “Be content with what you have.” This means learning to find peace and satisfaction in what God has already given us. The reason we can be content is clear: “because God has said,‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

True contentment comes from trusting that God is with us. It doesn’t mean we stop working hard or stop dreaming—it means we stop worrying because we know God provides for us.

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were suffering persecution and loss. They needed to hear that God had not abandoned them. The writer reminded them of God’s promise to Joshua: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

When Joshua had to lead Israel into the Promised Land, he faced many challenges—powerful enemies, fortified cities, and people stronger than his army. Yet God promised to be with him and give him victory. Joshua’s courage came from trusting God’s presence, not from relying on his own strength.

We can have the same peace. Whatever challenges we face—financial problems, job loss, or uncertainty—God promises to be with us.That promise is the key to contentment.

Learning to Be Content in Every Situation

The Apostle Paul also learned this truth. Even while in prison, he wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11–13).

Paul’s joy did not depend on wealth or comfort. His peace came from knowing Christ. Whether he had plenty or little, he trusted that God would take care of him. In the same way, we can be content not because everything is perfect, but because we know that God is enough.

How to Grow in Contentment

Living with contentment requires daily effort and spiritual discipline. Here are some simple steps:

a. Examine your heart.
Ask God to show you if money or possessions have taken too much place in your heart.

b. Read and reflect on Scripture.
Spend time with verses like Hebrews 13:5 and Matthew 6:24. Let them remind you that God—not money—is your provider.

c. Be accountable.
Have a trusted person help you stay aware of your habits—like how you spend money or time on social media. These can affect your attitude toward possessions.

d. Ask yourself honest questions.

1. What drives my life?

2. What do I value most?

3. Where do I spend most of my free time?

4. Am I moving in the direction God wants for me?

Renew Your Mind

True contentment starts in the mind. If we keep thinking that more money or possessions will make us happy, we will never find peace.But when we believe that God will never leave us or forsake us, our hearts become calm and thankful.

To be content means to know that having God is enough.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us to “keep your lives free from the love of money.” In what ways can we unknowingly begin to trust money or material things more than God? How can we guard our hearts against this shift in trust?

2. What does it mean to “be content with what you have” in your own life situation? Can you share a time when you experienced peace or joy despite not having everything you wanted? What helped you stay content?

3. God promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” How does this truth change the way we handle challenges,uncertainties, or financial pressures today? How can we remind ourselves daily that God’s presence is our greatest security?

PRAY CARE SHARE IN ACTION

Pray for others who may be struggling with financial anxiety, comparison, or discontentment. Ask that they experience God’s peace and provision in real ways. Encourage contentment in conversation. When people around you complain or compare, speak words of thankfulness and hope,reminding them of God’s faithfulness. Share your testimony about how trusting God, even with limited resources, has brought peace and joy to your life.