Security That Walks With Me
Enough for today, and enough for tomorrow in the Lord
Devotional Credit: In Christ, E. Stanley Jones, September 17
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Paul says he learned contentment in every circumstance, in plenty and in want. E. Stanley Jones takes that truth and puts it on the kitchen table for us. He shows that the secret is not a tougher will or a tighter budget. The secret is a Person. When Jesus is the center, both abundance and lack can serve His purposes without shaking our peace.
Jones tells stories that make this live. Some people can face poverty but stumble over plenty. Others can face plenty but crumble in loss. Paul let Jesus turn every kind of day into bread for the kingdom. That is the line that stays with me. Everything became useful when Christ was his life.
This is not about pretending needs are small. It is about discovering that our security is not in the size of the pantry or the paycheck. Our security is that we are in the Lord, and the Lord is in us. From that place, we can receive much without worshiping it, and we can face little without despair.
Friend, I am grateful for Jones’ steady hand here. He reminds us that contentment is learned as we walk with Jesus through real conditions. It is discovered as we release the need to control outcomes and rest in the One who indwells us. With that center, we can meet today with open hands and a quiet heart.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am your dwelling and your portion. I steady you in every condition. I taught My servant Paul to be content whether the table was full or the shelf was bare. I do the same in you as you abide in My Son. You died with Him to the old rule of fear, and you live with Him to God. Set your mind on the things above where your life is hidden with the Messiah. I supply what you truly need, life and godliness, and I never leave you.
When plenty comes, receive it with thanksgiving and hold it lightly. Your life does not consist in the sum of your possessions. When lack comes, lift your eyes. I prepare a table for you even in tight places. I make grace sufficient, and power is made perfect in weakness. I keep you free from the love of money. I teach you to do good and to share, not as a burden but as an overflow of the life of Jesus within you.
I am the vine, you are the branch. Apart from Me you can do nothing that lasts. Joined to Me, you bear fruit in season. In trouble or peace, in feast or fast, I work all things together for good for those who belong to My Son. I guard your heart and mind as you bring everything to Me with thanksgiving. I give you the strength to do what I call you to do today. Walk with Me. Trust Me. Let the life of Jesus be seen in your contentment, generosity, honesty, and quiet joy.
Real Life Analogy
Think about a home thermostat. You set the temperature, then the system keeps the room steady whether the weather outside is hot or cold. You do not pace the hallway or keep fiddling with the dial. The setting holds, and the system does its quiet work.
Life swings between surplus and shortage. Instead of chasing each swing, we aim our hearts at Jesus who lives within us, and we let the Holy Spirit keep the inner climate steady. When an unexpected bonus arrives, we can enjoy it and share as He leads without making it our safety. When a surprise bill lands, we can respond with truth and simplicity instead of panic. Try this line when the pressure rises or the surplus tempts you to grasp. Lord, I entrust this moment to You, live Your life through me as I answer with contentment right now. Then act from that settled center. Pay what you can with integrity. Write the email without angling. Give generously if He nudges. Rest the results in His hands.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus I already have a secure place, a full portion, and strength for the day. Thank You that Your Spirit in me teaches my heart to be content in plenty and in want. Thank You that I am crucified with Christ and alive to You, so I can hold gifts lightly and face needs calmly. Today I receive my circumstances as the field where Your life is seen, and I walk in the adventure of trusting You.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Philippians 4:11 through 13; Luke 12:15; Psalm 16:5 through 11; Psalm 23:1 through 6; Habakkuk 3:17 through 19; Matthew 6:25 through 34; First Timothy 6:6 through 8; Hebrews 13:5 through 6; Second Corinthians 12:9 through 10; Second Corinthians 9:8 through 11; Romans 8:28 through 39; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4 through 11; Colossians 3:1 through 4; John 15:4 through 5; Ephesians 1:3; Second Peter 1:3; Proverbs 3:5 through 6