Read 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you thought that everything else would be right in the world if only you could have that “thing”? Maybe it was the latest video game that all your friends were playing? Or the coolest new shoes that everyone in your school seemed to have? Or maybe a new phone, because everyone else has one already?! Sometimes we feel like if we can just have that new “thing”, just that one “thing”, that we would be happy forever. But guess what, that is all wrong! Things are just that, things, and the happiness that they bring does not last. 1 Timothy 6:6 tells us that true happiness comes from godliness and contentment.

The world tells us that we need more. More toys to make us happy. New clothes to make us cool. The latest electronics to help us fit in. Sure, new things are nice to have and may make us feel good for a while, but they don’t last forever, and neither does the happiness that they make us feel. Friends, I am here to tell you that true happiness and lasting joy are not found in things but in JESUS! In 1 Timothy 6:6, Paul tells Timothy (and us!), “But godliness with contentment is gain”. Godliness means living to please God, and contentment means being thankful for what we have. When we put these two things together, as Paul suggests, we can find true happiness. Our joy does not come from things; it comes from knowing and loving Jesus, living like Him, and being thankful for His blessings!

Practice contentment today. Make a list of 5 things that you are thankful for in your life. Try to think of something other than material possessions. Maybe your family, friends, or your health. Pray and thank God for these good blessings that He has given you.

Prayer: Dear God, You are so, so good to me. Thank You for loving me and blessing me. Help me live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and remember all the ways You have blessed me. I love You, God. Amen.