Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 20-22 | 1 Peter 

When I was younger, my exercise “routine” was not routine at all! 

But then I decided I wanted to become a police officer, and I began running in order to pass the physical requirements. At that time, I had to run a mile in under 9.5 minutes. 

I know - some people can walk that fast, but I still didn't like it! Surprisingly, over time, exercise became a way of life for me - for both my mental and physical fitness. 

Similarly, I like the idea that contentment is a muscle that we can exercise. Like physical fitness, contentment grows stronger the more we practice it, especially in areas we might not find it easy. For many of us, one of the hardest places to practice contentment is with our finances.  

It’s a choice. Just as I still choose to exercise almost every day, we can also choose contentment. 

The fact that it’s currently Amazon Prime Days gives me lots of opportunities to exercise my “contentment muscle”! As I scroll through all the things, I think, what fun, no, how useful they could be! Then I remember, having recently downsized from an over 2,200 square foot house to under 1,000, how many muscles it took to get rid of all those things that no longer fit into my living quarters! 

As we exercise our newfound contentment muscles, they provide us with the strength and determination to say no! Our culture constantly invites us into more, newer, better, rather than practicing gratitude for what God has already provided. 

In 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV), we are told that “his divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” So when that feeling of need for the next shiny, new thing comes over you, remember what Paul said:

Philippians 4:11-12
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

The next time you feel discontent with your finances, remember, our God is Jehovah Jireh, meaning “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). He is sufficient for every need!

Questions:
Do you need help in exercising your contentment muscle? 

What shiny thing are you chasing today, instead of God?

Next Steps:
Listen to the worship song “Jireh” by Elevation Worship. Think of ways you can allow God to satisfy your needs rather than the stuff you think will make you happy! Share your plan with your life group or trusted friend.

Prayer:
Jesus, I thank you that you are enough for me. Help me live in that truth today! You supply my every need. I trust you for it! Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

1 Timothy 6:6-7
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 

Written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.