“And We Ought to be Content with That” by James Smith, circa 1840s

“And We Ought to be Content with That” by James Smith, circa 1840s

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing–we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

We cannot really need more than food and clothing, and, if God sees fit to withhold more, then we ought not even to wish for more.

But our food may be coarse and our clothing very common. What then? If we have God’s blessing, if we enjoy His presence, we are better off than if we possessed a kingdom without them. If God gives us no more, then we ought to believe that more would be injurious to us.

God either loves us, or He does not. He either cares for us and provides for us, or He leaves things to chance.

If we are genuine believers, then God certainly does love us!  He certainly does care for us!  He certainly does provide for us!

He has numbered the very hairs of our head, fixed the bounds of our habitation, and promised to supply all our needs!  He cannot have left anything to chance.

Let us then be content with such things as our heavenly Father gives us. Let us learn to be content in every state and condition. Let us bear in mind that it is written, that “all things which pertain unto life and godliness,” are given to us through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. So that knowing Jesus, we may expect all that is necessary to a godly life and we ought to be content with that!

James Smith (1802-1862): Before Charles Spurgeon began to preach (1854), James Smith had been proclaiming the good news of salvation in Christ and the blessings of the Christian life at the New Park Street Chapel in London (1841-1850). He also ministered  in Cheltenham. Long gone, Smith’s words of biblical truths live on to inspire and encourage the body of Christ. He is well-remembered for his popular devotional, The Believer’s Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor’s Morning and Evening Visit.