Hebrews 13:5-6 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
I confess that I had these verses in mind when I began this series of writings
concerning the promises of God. There are certain passages that quickly come to
mind when we feel pressured by the things of life. Being homesick is a terrible
malady because it brings a feeling of loneliness into our minds. Quite
honestly, you can be in the middle of thousands of people and yet feel alone.
There are many occasions where we may feel "out of place" or that
"we just don't belong" in that situation. It is at those times that
these passages have meant so much to me through the years. The writer of
Hebrews talks about covetousness and contentment. One is inborn and the other
is acquired. I do not believe that we are born with contentment. We don't have
to learn how to constantly want more. It comes naturally. Paul said, "I
have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." It is a
learned state of mind.
So then, what is the key to learning how to be content? Our text says,
"... be content with such things as ye have: for (because) he hath
said..." He has said! That is the same as saying, God has promised! And
not a single promise of God has ever, or will ever, fail. We can learn
contentment by realizing the importance and value of God speaking to us. Yes,
He speaks to us daily through His Holy Word. I can be content because God
is speaking to me. When I realize God is speaking to me, I know He is with me.
He is near me. When I understand He is near me, then I know I'm not alone and
the feeling of loneliness goes away. How can I possibly be alone if God - the
Creator of this entire universe - is with me? But what if He decides someone
else need Him more than I do? Well, let me tell you something! God is in all
places at all times. There is no place where God is not there. Isn't that
amazing?!? My God has promised never to leave me alone! We have
more to say about this, but for now, I just want to say, "Thank you
Lord for never leaving me alone."