I admit, I’m a sucker for any reel or caption that starts with “learn the secret to.” Maybe it’s clickbait, but what if it’s the very secret I’ve been waiting for? What will I finally learn that will change my life?
So when I read what Paul writes in Philippians 4:12, it holds my attention: “I have learned the secret of being content.” This is not clickbait. Don’t we all want to learn how to be content in both abundance and in need? The very next verse tells us how, as Paul shares that we can do all things “through him who strengthens me” (v.13).
But if you’re like me, you want more details. Perhaps you feel challenged, as I do, to “think carefully about your ways” (Haggai 1:5) when struggling to give thanks. I’ve struggled to give thanks while my stomach is in knots and with being grateful when I see no way out. When we’re battling discontentment, we need to ask where we are placing our faith. We must examine what our minds and hearts and souls are holding. Today’s passages help us dive deeper into what Paul meant. We see in these verses a declaration of God’s ownership, provision and placement over all things. Individually, each is a truth we may know and embrace. But when we line them up, we’re faced with some tough questions.
Do we really believe these things: God leads us and gives us what we need (Psalm 23:1–3); He gives us a place to rest and eat (vv.2,5); He keeps His promise to provide (Deuteronomy 6:10); and everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to God (1Chronicles 29:11)?
Because the secret to giving thanks in plenty and in want lies in where our hearts and minds dwell. We can dwell on what we lack or dwell in His kingdom. We can dwell on what we can’t control or dwell in His promise to lead us and provide what we need.
When I overfocus on what’s missing more than building up His kingdom (Haggai 1:4–6), that’s a sign my heart is dwelling on the world instead of dwelling in Christ. Through Jesus, we are no longer in bondage (Deuteronomy 6:12, Galatians 5:1), but dwelling in that freedom is a choice. Do we seek to give thanks no matter what? Or do we seek to fill our lack with this world? What we seek tells the story of where we dwell.
Let’s lay down seeking this world’s counterfeit peace and security, and instead seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Let’s choose to dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6). Because when we truly believe He is ruler of everything (1Chronicles 29:12), we will seek His provision of green pastures and quiet waters as our plenty.
Then we will have learned the secret.
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55 thoughts on "Give Thanks in Plenty and in Want"
This really resonates, maybe because the world cries loudly for us to be discontent at the time of year we are trying to focus on giving thanks. Get, give, do, buy verses rest and be with me and be thankful for all of your blessings.
This resonates with me, I do seek quiet waters and green pastures all the time. I think it’s programmed into me. I work and I have a clean house, the kids are at school, the bills are paid and both me and my husband work but when it’s my choice what to do – I seek the quiet not extra things and extra money. I am not pushing for more, I seek quiet waters to refresh my soul.
Haggai 1.6 You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.
I have never read this verse before but alongside the well know Psalm 23 I understand now God is calling me to come into his presence. It’s that old saying ‘less is more’ and I pray that God will help me feel content and appreciate all the blessings I have already received.
When i focus on what’s missing… This stepped on my toes a bit. I need to really think about how I’m giving thanks in want.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
When I start my day with quiet time and dwelling on the truths and goodness of God, my whole outlook throughout the day is one of gratitude and realization of my abundance in Christ. The mornings I put other things (dishes, laundry, never ending to do list, etc) above my quiet time are the days that I tend to focus more on the things of this world and falling into an endless cycle of wanting. Lord, may I prioritize my quiet time with you each morning so that my heart and mind can dwell on your goodness and provision rather than the things of this world for You are all I need and I lack nothing.
This was very convicting
Yes, very convicting!
Praying for you, Lolly. I’m going through similar things to what you described. I was also convicted by today’s reading the most for similar reasons: “Do we seek to give thanks no matter what? Or do we seek to fill our lack with this world? What we seek tells the story of where we dwell.” I realized my heart needs to focus on the Kingdom and God’s greater purpose through my life not what the things I lack. I think God allows certain things to help us come to such realizations. And He’s never far from us as we do. I pray that you experience His presence and find your joy, delight, and strength in Him so that gratitude becomes your natural expression. I pray that you trust His loving kindness towards you as His precious daughter and live in the fullness of all the good things He has for you.
❤️
I loved this ! So so very enriched with the wisdom of the godly spirit
This days reading was what convicted me the most through this devo. I have been so so struggling with discontentedness. You see it feels like God asked us to leave our safe and comfortable home of 5 years and after that it has felt like everything has hit the fan. Family relations, future plans, community, and finances. I am admittedly a creature who desperately craves comfort and stability. So for me, it has felt so difficult to believe God does want to help, God does provide, God is in control, God wants what is good for me, God will give me peace, God will give me what I need. But I am realizing that my heart has been dwelling in the world and all I want out of it, not in God’s perfect plan. But honestly, I don’t know how to start believing all those things about God. I suppose all I can ask if for God to help me to believe in Him as provider, protector, ruler of all. God please help me believe in you. In your goodness. SHE’S please pray for me. I need it. My heart is sick with sorrow and disappointment. But it longs to taste the peace that surpasses all understanding.
I love 1 Timothy 6:6! Godliness with contentment is our formula for happiness, and giving thanks in all things helps us to get there.
♥️
I don’t know what happened to my post I just started. It’s close to midnight the 25th anniversary to my soulmate. Lately he has question a lot of decisions we have made . 
I don’t know what happened to my post I just started. It’s close to midnight the 25th anniversary to my soulmate. Making his question a lot of decisions we have made . 
It’s about 5 minutes from midnight. Marking the 5th anniversary to my soul mate. We have made some very big decisions lately
I was listening to a podcast today (Lisa Harper’s Back Porch Theology). I liked her comment that we can give thanks IN all circumstances not thanks FOR those circumstances. (We can be thankful when we are struggling with a cancer diagnosis, for instance. But we aren’t thankful for the cancer, you know?} There is a difference. Let that sink in, sweet She’s!
Good night, loved ones.
@Laura- I didn’t realize that was you either, I should had put two and two together! This is very hopeful that she broke up with her partner. I like @Mercy, and probably many more have been praying for your children/family. God is going to bring beauty back from the ashes.
@Michelle-always praying for you and your family too! Actually all you SHES are kept in my prayers! It is such a beautiful group! Was it Brandi (?) you have written down our requests for over 10 years??!! That’s amazing, and you rarely comment?! You must start! Boy, hope you don’t get tired of seeing some of our names over and over! I have been here about 10 years as well. I never wanted to comment the first few years, but thought if nobody did there would not be any to read! (Kinda like the quite men! I feel bad that HRT hardly ever has them!
Amen❤️
The scripture reading was so broad today and I wondered what the devotional could be focusing on. And I was blown away at how clever our writer was, the leading, the weaving in of details. Thank you so much MARNIE HAMMAR! I just loved it! Godliness and contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). And TINA, our precious TINA, another devotion on top of this devotion like another she’s put it, thank you! What you shared Tina is absolutely so true. Your story reminds me of my conversation with my sweet cousin in California, her lack is my plenty, and vastly too. May we count our many blessings and have eyes to see them, and give thanks to the God who is always providing! Praise the Lord.
@LAURA DIANNE: it took me a while to recognize you from the name change. But thanks to MICHELLE PATIRE yesterday, she clarified that, and it’s our LAURA :)). I must confess I have been praying for your daughter’s breakup with her partner, and be delivered. I can’t believe what i saw. It is moving toward that direction. Hallelujah. It is definitely God’s will and when we pray toward His will, we don’t pray amiss, Heavens backed up by His mercy toward our earnest prayers of a broken heart. And please don’t fret when you see other people prosper in their “own ways” (Psalm 37:7), God’s way always always always leads to LIFE (though might go through painful deconstruction first, before the pieces getting put back in right and new order)! May you hold still your heart, hold captive your thoughts, and know that God will honor your obedience. Please don’t turn to the left or right. Hold fast. Please envision your daughter, who will one day be walking down the aisle marrying a wonderful godly man, as you sit on the front row of the wedding ceremony witnessing God’s faithfulness, as they exchange vows and the rings in front of everyone, envision her beautiful white dress, the veil, the flowers, the smiles and the wonderful laughters, the joy and the tears, what a glorious day that would be, and envision her beautiful children that God will bless her with, envision your gathering in the future Thanksgivings and many many Christmases to come, the sweet little ones running around helping you in the kitchen, while making messes and giggling, and you will cast your eyes above this temporary reality, and see how FAITHFUL God is. He is faithful, faithful, faithful to your prayers. He will come through ( I can’t help tearing up when writing this). I believe it. Please don’t fret someone else’s “prosperity” in their compromising, our reality is framed by His Promise!
@KIMBERLY Z:❤️
@SEARCHING: for lost item found soon (short story: my mom used to go with us on a small getaway with other families, and she lost a shirt or an apparel at the air bnb. Then she returned home, the item was nowhere to be seen for days, and prayed for it, not knowing where it was, she was super confused, and for some weird/miraculous reason, she found it in her bedroom one day, the item was folded neatly, sitting on the floor by the nightstand. She took it, rejoicing, and she assured me she remembered packing it in her luggage, and it must have been left at the air bnb, why is it here now? No answer. It was just there, in plain sight for my mother. God is miraculous at retrieving lost items. I don’t know how else to explain, but He is just above and beyond what we could make of Him). And prayers for the daughter of friend to come out of critical condition. So sorry.
@RHONDA: really loved what you shared today!
Be blessed dear sisters. Have a nice weekend dear she’s!
@Sharon, Jersey Girl – the job would be near Elizabeth, NJ. That is a long way from rural Oklahoma. Lol So thankful for the Father’s blessings and the plans He has for us. So thankful for this fellowship! Thank you Sisters for your prayers. I have all your requests in my prayer journal-10 years worth actually- and am so grateful and honored to lay them at the Father’s feet! ❤️
Amen
I like nothing. I need to remember this all-the-time. I have what I need. This devotional was just what I needed this morning. I am so grateful how great this study on Giving Thanks has been for me as I’m sure for all of you my beautiful sisters. Most of you know I left a 20+ marriage, (it’s been over 6 years). My Lord, my Jesus, Jehovah Jireh has been so faithful since the day we left. He has been providing for my children and I. I lack nothing. Now do I have wants? Of course I do. But I have what I need. As I sit here, and think about a few things, some of those things are needs, and I know my Jehovah Jireh will provide for them in His timing. Meanwhile, in the waiting, I will keep seeking Him. I’m not even angry. I just know that His timing is always best. There’s a couple of major things, and some of them are frustrating for my daughter, but even she understands and knows our God will provide. And as silly as this sounds, please pray for her teeth to be protected. Six months ago we were told she had cavities that needed to be filled, last week the dentist called it’s time for our appointment, but I mainly want her to see the dentist and try to get these cavities filled. So we wait for some finances that should be coming, we just don’t know when. Even then, God is still good! And I say this all choked up. He is SO good! We had such a wonderful, wonderful evening last night. Plenty of GOOD food, lots and lots of laughs with my siblings, my niece and nephew and most of all my kids! It was so wonderful!
Good morning, sweet SRT sisters! I hope that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday! I wish I could sit down with each of you and hug you and pray over your requests in person! I wish I had time to call out each of your names so you would know that I have prayed for you but sadly I can’t do that. Please know that I write down your requests and pray over each and every one. There are some ongoing requests that are prayed for daily whether you post that day or not—personal illness, prodigal children, those who are caregivers, those with family needs, those with job concerns, and all the precious teachers. Have a blessed day! ❤️
@Tanya Evans- praise God you had company yesterday :) I am glad to hear that and that you have a thankful heart, despite the wrestling with comparison. I can understand that wrestle, a bit. God bless you :)
@Rhonda J ❤️
@Searching ❤️
@Laura ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ prayers for you, I feel for you my sister.
I want to keep asking for prayers for my siblings and my reaction to their sin. I know the Lord needs to do a work in me. This story is a little much so heads up.
Yesterday, I had a little moment where I judged three of my siblings for taking edibles (weed brownies my sister Claire made for three of them) and scolded two of my sisters & brother Justin… mainly because Heather calls an ambulance every time she takes edibles .. and then me and my parents have to deal with her freak outs. She calls an ambulance because she thinks she is dying, because edibles are a door to the demonic and that’s the demons are saying to her after they get in her system. I know this because I took them once and heard literal demons tell me I was going to hell and I believed it, as I cried on a bathroom floor in one of my old apartments… This was in the early stages of my walk with Christ. I never touched them again.
I realized in that moment with my siblings the Lord was not happy with my judgement. My siblings also acted like they didn’t know what I was talking about, even though I saw the edibles and heard them talking about it in front of me. So I left the room and went downstairs and grabbed my guitar, repented, and worshipped in tears and tried to take the ground back for God. That helped a lot and I channeled my anger and disappointment into music.
The Lord has been using this devotional so much to tell me to continue loving my family, but I see my own sin and failure to love. I judged instead of prayed. I know God forgave me, but I am sick of my own judgement lol. Please pray that I grow in grace and learn to love them better. Thank you. ❤️
I think once we realize that nothing will fill the longing in our heart but God; then we will learn to be content in all circumstances. We have to spend time with our Shepherd to be lead and fed. I’m not a great biblical scholar but I have learned that nothing will fill our heart but God! I’m grateful for this lesson as a reminder that all I need is Jesus.
I was so grateful that I did not have to spend Thanksgiving alone yesterday. I am a single female who lives in a small, one bedroom apartment, no frills. My friend’s home has its’ own movie theater. It’s the type of home that graces pages of magazines. However, I am grateful for my one bedroom because everyday I see homeless people who sleep outdoors. I am so grateful I have a place to stay, that I can pay my bills because there wasn’t a time I couldn’t pay them. It’s tempting for me sometimes to ask God why could I not have been one of those women who had a super awesome house, a wonderful husband, great family vacations but I am choosing to focus on the good and remember it comes from God. In the beginning of the book of Genesis we read the words over and over again, ” And God saw it was good.” God, help me to focus on the good in my life.” Acknowledging the good in our lives is part of being grateful to God.
This is such a good devotional!!! A couple years ago, God took me thru a season of learning this very thing – being content with little or in much. And it boils down to this, give in to God’s teaching and you’ll be content. I’ve found that its in the struggle that we feel uneasy and unsettled. Once we give in and take on the attitude God wants us to have, we are content. So, I’ve been learning to learn His lessons quicker to I can get to that place of peace quicker. The longer you struggle, the longer you are not at peace. So, as God leads us in seasons of learning, be a quick learner so you will live a life of peace and contentment.
Todays prayer prompt in the book is “write a prayer thanking god for his goodness and provision.” I looked up the definition and it means supplies and I’m like “he doesn’t do that anymore”
“The secret to giving thanks in plenty and in want lies in where our hearts and minds dwell.” Yes! I definitely need to work on this truth. I have SO much to be thankful for, so why do I so often dwell on what I don’t have?? I need to practice daily bringing my thoughts into the captivity of Christ, keeping my eyes fixed on the author of make faith and be content in whatever the circumstances. Father God, please keep me mindful of “the secret of being content.”
@Laura Diane – dear sister, I can imagine your pain. Praying for you…keep on your faith journey – one step, one day at a time. ❤️
@Tina – thank you for sharing your insight…It’s all a matter of perspective – so beautifully stated.
@Brandi – praying for wisdom and guidance in the decision that is to be made…Where in NJ would you be?
Blessings to all my SRT sisters – who I am truly thankful for. ❤️
❤️
“When we’re battling discontentment, we need to ask where we are placing our faith. …
Because the secret to giving thanks in plenty and in want lies in where our hearts and minds dwell. We can dwell on what we lack or dwell in His kingdom. We can dwell on what we can’t control or dwell in His promise to lead us and provide what we need.”. MARNIE HAMMAR – Thank you for this beautiful and challenging devo!!!
Praying for all concerns. SEARCHING – ❤ thank you for the updates! Continued prayers
Good Morning!
That’s a great reminder of contentment and gratitude in all circumstances. I always try to share that with our ladies at jail- that the Apostle Paul was in jail, but yet was content with those circumstances. They make us strong and reliant on Jesus, when we have no other choice. Some of us are just that strong willed and stubborn. We are self-reliant until we come to our end. But God can take that mess and turn it to a message, the test into a testimony! GOD can work ALL things for our good! We may not have what we think we want and need, or what others have that look so shiny and wonderful, BUT GOD knows what we need. Everything is in perfect order, even when we sin and are stuck with the consequences, we can change and be remade in that icky or lowly place.
Prayers for the requests. I forgot your name already, but the sweet lady that wrote about the BIL and family- I can see how that can make you/us feel how you do, it seems so unfair. I am praying for your family, that you will have your children together soon.
“The secret to giving thanks lies in where our hearts and minds dwell” this right here!! Oh that I would remember to offer up a sacrifice of praise regardless of my circumstances.
What we seek tells the story of where we dwell!!! Lord I want to seek Your face and share Your presence with others. I pray I dwell deeply in you!
Oh Father that I seek Your Kingdom above all forever. In Jesus name, Amen
What sticks in my mind today-
Need vs want – TINA ❤️ gave such a clear example of how we and others view things differently. The 2nd line of Psalm 23:1 NKJV say I shall not want, NCV phrases this as I have everything I need.
The importance of obedience highlighted in the verses from Deuteronomy, and being thankful for blessings – what things do I have that I once enjoyed/was thrilled by but now take for granted??
Evaluating my stewardship – revealed to Haggai for the people the LORD says, Consider your ways! NKJV
Praying through the requests of the past 2 days for:
LAURA DIANNE – your husband’s work decisions, your wayward children. The contrast in his faith and his brother’s compromising and praying God will reveal to your children that standing strong in your faith is an act of love and not judgment, and that his brother will see that as well.
CHANGED LIFE – reconciliation
MARI V – continuing to adapt to & learn your new job routine and responsibilities, memory, focus, diligence, awareness
TEACHERS – ❤️ for the challenges and difficulties each of you face everyday as you teach and guide
TIFFANY LEADER
NAN
JESSICA TIMPERIO
JANET CALDWELL
SHARON JONES
RHONDA J
KAYLA STRATA
TARA B
BRANDI
GRAMSIESUE
LYNNE FROM AL
LINDA IN NC
TERESA DONLEY
NANCY S
SUSAN BONNER
CEE GEE, MICHELLE PATIRE, MERCY, KELLY (NEO) ❤️
Updates –
friend with son/medical issue – recovering with ongoing treatment plan
Friend’s daughter with chronic illness – still in very critical condition
My “minor in light of serious issues” request – still searching for lost item
What we seek tells the story of where we dwell. Oh, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This hit deep. This called me out and was exactly what I needed to hear today. Father help me to keep my gaze firmly fixed on you and your goodness.
I could read this study over and over…what a blessing each day has been.
Oh, LAURA DIANNE, my heart breaks for you. I hear you. God does too, and He sees your struggles with your prodigals. He sees all of us who have them.
And yes, TINA, it can be quite relative (each one’s definition of plenty). And as you said, that green-eyed monster likes to taunt us!
Count ALL of your blessings today, not just because it is the weekend of (US) Thanksgiving. He gives us sooooo much, all the time, doesn’t He, sweet sisters?
Yes! God is good all the time!
Focus on Christ. Remember all that He has done!!
Amen! Thank you Tna❣
This devotional was so timely for me. Yesterday I really struggled to be thankful. I definitely focused on my lack. TAMMY STECKER, I also felt alone yesterday. I was with family, but not with my own children. I was with my husband’s brother’s family – all of them, with their significant others, taking their family photo for their Christmas card. I wouldn’t say I was bitter, but I was definitely sad. Really sad. My family feels so broken, and we are broken because of our faith and our kids’ rejection of our faith. At times I get so frustrated, because we are seeking God’s kingdom, we are trying to put God first in our lives. But because of that my family is fractured and my brother-in-law’s family is all together, although none of his kids are following the Lord anymore. It is a tale of two brothers – one who will not compromise his faith and is being rejected by his kids and one who has completely compromised his faith and has all of his kids around him.
I cried out to the Lord yesterday so much. The song by Katy Nichole “Hold On” ran through my head:
Hold on just a little bit longer
I know it’s gonna be okay
These days are gonna make you stronger
You’ll find purpose in the pain
Hold on just a little bit longer
Deep down there’s a well of faith
Let hope arise as you’re lifting up My name
And just hold on
Just hold on, hold on
I told God I don’t think I can hold on anymore. He is going to have to give me the strength to do it, because I can’t…
We found out at the gathering that my daughter’s partner moved out. This is a positive move since we feel that this person has been a lot of the reason that we have no relationship with our daughter. We are praying that our daughter will hear God’s voice so clearly – that she will reach out to us and that this will be the first step toward repairing our relationship. Thank you for praying with me. I feel like this virtual community of women and my physical community of women have been holding me up and someday you will all be able to rejoice in our prodigal’s return.
Thank you for sharing your story! I can now also pray for your daughter. I pray that the Lord gives her a pause and a heavy heart—maybe one that she doesn’t understand. Then without her realizing it, she will see God’s hand and remember her upbringing.
What a powerful and beautiful devotional today. Thank you Marnie. Today I will meditate on where my heart is dwelling. I will seek to not dwell on things of this world and what I lack but instead on His Kingdom, knowing His provision of quiet waters and green pastures is my plenty and He is the ruler of everything. Amen ❤️
Tina, I loved your reply. It was like an added devotion to the one for today’s reading. So true that our worldly “plenties” are all different, but true plenty is the same for everyone. It is what we have in Christ. I am so thankful that it is enough. Lord forgive me for not always recognizing that.
Tina, I loved your reply. It was like an added devotion to the one for today’s reading. So true that our worldly “plenties” are all different, but true plent is the same for everyone. It is what we have in Christ. I am so thankful that it is enough. Lord forgive me for not always recognizing that.
“When we’re battling discontentment, we need to ask where we are placing our faith. We must examine what our minds and hearts and souls are holding. . . .Because the secret to giving thanks in plenty and in want lies in where our hearts and minds dwell.”
Your story TINA, is a great example of this truth from Marnie. ❤️
BRANDI – praying the Lord shows your husband the best option with this job offer.
Oooh, how often do I seek this world’s counterfeit peace? So many reminders to keep my focus where it belongs.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Col. 3:2-4. This is the “secret” keep focusing on our great God of love!!!!
Amen
The title alone, reminded me of a visit to a friend who was struggling, an SOS call!
As we chatted and tried to put the world to right, in her house, on the hill overlooking Gods beautiful landscape, she started to tell me that they had money worries because her husbands ex wife, who is a surgeon, was bleeding them dry, and so although they had managed a few holidays.. abroad, that year, she wasn’t sure they could go on an Autumn holiday!
I’m sorry, but I could only go 100 miles away for my holiday..! Get thee behind me, you green eyed monster!
I silently listened, to be honest, I was lost for words..
Lunchtime came, and as we walked towards the kitchen she started apologising for lunch and what we were going to have..lobster salad with crusty bread.. seriously?
It was indeed, in that moment, that I realised we lived totally different lives. Her lack, was so different to mine. I was about to eat my ultimate best lunch, whilst my friend, thought it lack..
BUT GOD..
I am so so very thankful that I got to eat lobster that day, as it is up there with the absolute special treats, (having saved for months for it), but most importantly, for me, is that I am grateful for ALL that God provides for me and mine. Joe Barnes (from Makerick City)sings in one of his songs “I’ve got food on my table”
I sure do… Thank you God, Thank you.
I guess our lack and plenty is different for us all. If you live in the big house overlooking beautiful valleys, your lack is my plenty plenty, and if you live in the valley, lack means something different again..
Paul’s words in Phillipians 4: 12-13 are ones I take seriously! For it IS in God that I find my all.
Thankful, absolutely, that the Lord is my shepherd, and that no matter my circumstances, He is there.. always, and forever, as He promises..
AMEN.
Happy Friday you beauties. Thankful for you and our time together in the scriptures.. Hugs and love from across the pond..❤️
❤️❤️❤️