“BLESSINGS + CONTENTMENT”

How can we ask God for blessings while being content at the same time? Isn't that a contradiction of terms? Well, let's go back to the Bible and find out.

We are studying a beautiful psalm, and in this series, we will see how a God-fearing man responds to practical blessings.

God blesses His people with material abundance yet demands contentment.

In verse 3, the writer speaks of material blessedness. He uses the word “wealth” to describe a godly man’s practical blessings. The original Hebrew word is “hon,” “wealth, riches, enough!, sufficiency.” It carries both the idea of abundance and contentment. The Bible is rich in verses telling us that while not wealth isn’t sinful in and of itself, it certainly can hinder one’s salvation, like the rich young ruler in Matthew 19 and the cruel man in Luke 16. 

As mentioned earlier in this series, this psalm should be read in light of the Abrahamic Covenant. In OT times, wealth was seen as a sign of God’s blessing. As long as the Israelites obeyed God, they experienced material abundance and peace from their enemies (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). But God took away their riches due to their disobedience and breach of their covenant (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

Having said that, God does bless those who work hard and earn an honest living. On the other hand, the idle ones will go hungry (Proverbs 28:19). In the NT, however, believers are promised an abundance of spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).

The writer also touches on the moral uprightness of a godly man. Material wealth does not get in the way between him and God. He stays humble and acknowledges God as the Source of his wealth. Job is a great example. This righteousness isn’t self-produced, but comes from an intimate relationship with God. Therefore, it never fades away (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Simply put, God makes sure that we have everything we need, expects us to be content with what we have, and work an honest living.

Pursue the Saviour today!