“Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have—for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you,’ so that you may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my Helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me’.”
Hebrews 13:5-6
“Calm, cool and collected”—that’s how everyone who calls himself a Pilgrim should be as he heads toward his Heavenly Home.
We know our time here on earth is short at best. And, we’re all leaving “vapor trails” (James 4:13-15) wherever we go; that’s why we should make sure we’re not “wobbling in our walking and leaving straight paths for those who come behind us” (Heb. 12:12-13).
A part of this involves today’s Manna.
Even though the King James’ use of “conversation” is different than ours—for our definition is “talking,” while his is “walking, i.e., your lifestyle” (Grk. “tropos”—“mode, style, manner of living, deportment, character, etc.”). But, even if they were the same, both should be “without covetousness (Grk. ‘aphilarguros’—‘greedy, lusting after, fond of money, etc.’),” for this insatiable, sinful longing robs one of “being content (Grk. ‘arkeo’—‘raising a barrier, be satisfied with, to have enough, sufficient, etc.’) with such things as you have.”
Think of it:
A discontented person is always dissatisfied. It doesn’t matter what happens to them or what others do for them or even give to them. They’re still unhappy. . . “down-in-the-mouth”. . . always “singing the blues”. . .always feeling deprived and misunderstood.
But, dear Pilgrim, this doesn’t glorify the Lord. And, it certainly does little to make one feel better.
Just as “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” for grazing livestock, so it is with one who is covetous and discontented. It’s only when we can say without hesitation, “The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1) and “My God will supply all of my needs according to His riches in Glory through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19), that’ll we’ll be happy wherever we are.
Even more, it’s not God’s provisions that really bring us true contentment; it’s His abiding Presence!
How wonderful to know “that He has said, ‘I’ll never leave your or forsake you.” Again, it’s knowing our Risen Lord is “our Refuge and Strength—a VERY PRESENT Help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1) that sustains us in “the dark night of the soul.”
And, only then can we say with confidence and courage “The Lord is my Helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hallelujah! Yes, “bold believers” are contented and grateful believers. Like Mother Theresa, they declare “You’ll never know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.” So true, so true. Why not spend a few minutes right now, Pilgrim, reflecting on God’s Goodness to you and counting your blessings? Then, why not also seek an opportunity today to say to someone else, “Have you got a minute? If so, let me tell you what the Lord’s done for me.” They’ll be blessed—and the Lord will be glorified.
