Contentment

"The peace of God" will guard you (Philippians 4:7) and "the God of peace" will be with you (4:9). Yesterday, Pastor Jonathan was discussing Philippians chapter 4. What stands out in my mind, and what I drew about, was contentment. He spoke about the apostle Paul's belief in being content during any situation. Having contentment in plenty and in want. Paul had been wealthy and highly regarded as well as imprisoned and penniless. Yet, he was content, I am certain, because he knew Jesus and had a love relationship with Him. He had God's peace and the God of peace.

So, I started drawing different types of pots, some with lots of green and flowers, some less colorful, and some cracked and broken. The clay pots represent people's lives. We each experience great seasons of blossoming and flourishing, then times of hardship, sorrow or persecution. Pressure, stress or heartbreak tend to crack us a bit. Our hearts may feel they are shattered and absolutely no one will be able to make anything out of the shards.

All is not lost, however. During adversity, sorrow and want, we can still have peace, be content in knowing God made us, loves us, came as the God man, Jesus, to take our punishment for our sin. Furthermore, He has graced us with complete forgiveness and restoration in a love relationship having Jesus as our Savior and Lord. God often "miraculously" brings loving and kind people in our lives that exhibit His character and give us hope. They are His hands, feet and heart, gracing us by helping to pick up those shards with us.

I like doing these quick sermon sketches. I think they strengthen my ability to be sponateous. I added color quickly tonight.