Contentment for the Summer You Actually Have - Your Nightly Prayer - July 10th

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Contentment for the Summer You Actually Have
Your Nightly Prayer
By Kristine Brown

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” - Philippians 4:12 NIV

SOMETHING TO PONDER

When warmer months roll around, I picture myself relaxing in the shade of a covered front porch, a tall glass of iced tea in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of summer days. I imagine waking up every morning and spending my quiet time there. But as summer whisks by, the reality of life overshadows my hopes for a stress-free season. Maybe you, too, have high hopes for what your summer will bring. It’s easy to daydream of long walks on the beach, fun family vacations, or even a chance to sleep in without the rigid schedule of spring or fall. But our best daydreams are often interrupted by real life, leaving us longing for something that isn’t to be.

Comparison has often been a stumbling block to my contentment. When I see a friend’s lovely vacation photos of a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or hear about another friend spending weeks at a secluded cabin getaway, I risk losing sight of God’s right-now blessings. I want to be content in my current circumstances, but I struggle with disappointment when my summer looks nothing like hers. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul beautifully summed up the contentment we long for: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Paul wrote these words from prison, so as we read his declaration of learning how to be content, we can be encouraged that in the most difficult times, contentment is possible. However, Paul also understood how hard it would be for God’s children to choose contentment, even when life is good. He knew we would need a reminder to “seek the Lord continually” (Jeremiah 29:13), because our only hope for a content life begins with keeping our eyes on Jesus.

When we turn our gaze toward God, something supernatural happens. Our eyes open to the simple beauty right in front of us. What seemed to be another humdrum season at first glance now appears as an abundant blessing from a God who loves to give good gifts to his children. With Jesus, we’re able to find joy unspeakable in the present moment. As we pray tonight, let’s release disappointment and ask God to help us find contentment in the summer we have. Let’s thank him for his many blessings.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear God,
As summer has begun, I’ve felt disappointed that things are not turning out the way I’d hoped. I realize I’ve been focusing on the wrong things and forgetting to enjoy the simple blessings of my everyday life. Forgive me for taking my eyes off you. Help me to be present in the moment throughout this summer. Instead of comparing my summer to others, help me rediscover contentment, no matter what life looks like in this season. Thank you for the gift of summer and all the beauty it brings. I choose to go to bed every night with thankfulness in my heart and wake up each day with renewed joy. In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

Think of one blessing from God that you associate with the summer months. Thank God specifically for that blessing right now.
What is one activity you can do this summer to reconnect with God? It may be as simple as sitting outside for a time of prayer or enjoying a favorite summer food. Whatever you choose, invite the Lord to be present with you as an act of worship.
Before you go to sleep, read Paul’s words in Philippians 4:12 again. Tell God why you’ve decided to choose contentment for the summer you actually have.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Mario Arango

Discover more spiritual growth resources from today’s devotion writer, Kristine Brown, including 20 Fulfilling Promises from God for When You Feel Empty. Learn more about women in the Bible and gain encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at Kristine’s website, morethanyourself.com.

For the one who is weary without answers. If you’re still showing up and still praying — but starting to wonder if it’s working — this 90-day devotional will meet you right there, with honesty and Scripture in place of easy answers.