It is time for the seasons of the year to change. Red and yellow leaves are everywhere. Every day the weather is getting colder. We are entering winter.
All of a sudden, a question came to my mind, “Are you happy now?” This question led to a train of my thoughts, “What is happiness?”, “What makes you happy?”, “As a church minister, as a follower of Jesus, where does your happiness come from?” and so on.
Are you happy now? Wouldn’t it be happy if we could be content with what we have now and give thanks to God?
Happiness apparently seems to come from ‘contentedness’. The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4: 12-13,
“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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul experienced both abundance and poverty, and through these experiences, he came to know God's grace and abundance. Whether in times of plenty or in times of need, he trusted in God and realized that he could obtain what he needed from Him. Through faith, he was able to find gratitude and joy in any circumstance. This is the essence of our faith.
The world we live in seems to be pouring all kinds of efforts into gaining more for themselves. Those in power exert their strength to acquire even more power. The wealthy employ various methods to amass more wealth. It feels like a world where the concept of living contentedly has been completely lost.
We are the people who should speak the values of God in the language of God to this world. In any situation, I hope that we can rely on the Lord, who supports and helps us, to overcome our circumstances. And, just as the Apostle Paul says, I would like to remind you of the belief that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. With the renewed vigour of this faith, I conclude this message. Thanks.