• Whine Not

  • LEA Weekly Devotion

    Word’s Worth series 2022–2023

    Week of February 5, 2023

    Whine Not

    Contentment. Do you have it?

    Maybe it’s a 2:00 p.m. nap while you’re grading papers at your desk. No, that’s a coma. Maybe it’s an ice cold beverage when you get home after classes. No, not if you live in Duluth. Maybe it’s a few vigorous laps around… around… around the buffet table. No, keep that up and your next tutu will be a three-three. Okay, how about some loud whining?

    Looking at your reasons not to be content from a spiritual perspective, do you really have justification to whine?

    We find the best whining advice in the best book in the library. (Until it too gets banned?) Contentment’s divine definition lies in these words:

      …for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me (Phil. 4:11–13).

    Contentment can involve comfortably relaxing in Jesus’ promise of life in heaven’s mansion. But that will come later—you know, in your next phase of life. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the ultimate in contentment then. Contentment also involves something more—something for your present circumstances.

    Contentment is fuel! Did the last sentence of today’s text give you pause? I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

    Don’t pause too long. That last verse suggests that contentment—under any and all circumstances—enables you to keep on keeping on. Doing what? Making you star of the softball team? Giving you a bonus large enough for a trip to Tahiti? Or how about just being you.

    Just think. God created you in His image. God has already given you all you need, numbering you among His royal priesthood in His kingdom. No matter what condition your condition is in. If you’re looking for anything grandiose, you’re sniffing up the wrong buffet table.

    Be content. Enjoy God. Oh, and one other supreme source of contentment is a sip of wine. With a little bread on the side. Whine not.

    Sing together: My Jesus Lives

    Devotional Extras:

    We invite you to read the LEA guest devotions.

    Written by Edward Grube, LL.D.
    Director of Communications
    Copyright ©2022 Lutheran Education Association

    Quoted Scripture CSB®

    A joyful heart is good medicine,

    But a crushed spirit dries up the bones—Prov. 17:22 ESV

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