Lord, Help Us to be Content - Cokeisha Robinson

"For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me." Phil 4:11-13

It appears so many friends of mine are being stretched and stressed. Daily, I receive countless emails and phone calls seeking encouragement because jobs are no longer secure, pay has been decreased, insurance plans have changed and marriages are strained – all because of financial crisis. At some point, we all can identify. At times, I find myself in God’s presence asking, “Is this what I get for submitting to your will? I had life so much easier when I did things my own way.”

When I become consumed with thoughts like that, I am reminded that none of us are exempt from tests or the process of learning true contentment. God seems not as concerned with our comfort as much as He is with our character development.

We live in one of the most expensive cities in the world—the “Big Apple.” I loved it when we were having a grand time on Broadway or enjoying star-studded date nights, but I think if our bank account could speak up at times like this, it would be called the “Sour Apple.” The cost of living, the cost of groceries and gas are horrendous. More money goes to essentials than luxuries these days and planning for our financial future is scary at times.

It would be easy for us to move back to our hometown in order to be more “comfortable” and to feel more “secure,” but then, we’d be abandoning our current assignment given to us by God. Not only that, but “jumping ship,” would be submitting to a theology we do not believe—one driven by money and comfort verses what is guided by the divine direction of God. We have decided to stay as long as it’s God’s will. Perhaps He wants to show us what it means to rest in Him.

God is in control of all things and we’re confident He will never leave us. He has proven that He will supply all of our needs. At the end of each day, we can smile because we know that even though our nation is in a recession, we serve a recession-proof Savior. We choose to trust Him at all costs.

Cokiesha B. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full time ministry work. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and her greatest passions are encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She has contributed to 3 books, one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down, This is My Story, and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace, She is a native Texan and currently resides in Yonkers, NY with her husband, Tim. Read Cokeisha's devotions.