Empty Pockets

Empty Pockets

You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! Haggai 1:6

What a thing to say: Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! Sound familiar? It seems on target and relevant today. How many people do we know who really like their jobs, feel they get paid more than enough, and are totally satisfied with where they are in life? These days it almost goes without saying that our pockets are filled with holes. Nothing of this world satisfies. Contentment seems impossible to find in all the places we look.

The Lord, however, offers us rest. We really can find contentment in the Lord. In Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul says, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Many people consider that verse to be one of the most inspiring in Scripture. But what preceded Paul’s proclamation?

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. (verses 11-12)

Paul could do all things—including being content in any situation—through Christ.

This was always a challenge for me when I was coaching. Our players were as susceptible to the pulls and tugs of the world as anyone, but their situations were compounded in most cases by having plenty of money. And so their lifestyles often included multiple cars, large homes, and other expensive items. Unfortunately, I often noticed a lack of contentment from a group of young men whose average salary was over a million dollars a year.

Paul says contentment is found in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was a prisoner for Christ, and in the trials and difficulties of his ministry for Christ—including prison time—he found contentment and rest for each day and the assurance that he would find contentment in the days ahead.

Are you grumbling and discontent about something in your life? Stop grumbling and start thanking God for everything He has provided for you.

Uncommon Key > Consider getting a small cross to carry in your pocket. It will remind you that contentment and satisfaction will not be found in the things of the world but in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.