Circumstances. We all have them. They may be good, not so good and then there are those that put our feet to the fire and our backs against the wall.
Paul had varied experience with the circumstances that life can bring. It seems he had mastered the ability to be content, no matter what, when he wrote this scripture.
I am learning but I have not yet arrived at that perfect place where life events don’t stress and pressure my spirit. I am better, but I could still improve.
We may not yet have conquered the demon of discontent. I refer to that state of being as a demon, because it causes the same issues as any other attack from our enemy. It derails our peace of mind. It is the same questioning spirit that greeted Adam and Eve in the garden.
You may be in a season of prosperity or near poverty. You may have a dream career or suddenly be unemployed. Illness comes and your peace seems distant if not completely gone. That voice starts telling you that you have no reason to rejoice, your life is in shambles. Nobody cares about you. Obligations are piling up. Or, his mind meddling favorite, “Where is your God?”
Our God is always where we are. He is there with us in our times of humble living and also in our times of prosperity. He is there when hunger comes and He is there when abundance reigns. He is everywhere and in any circumstance we are. He knows our pain and He sees our misery. He watches with the heart of a Father when his children excel. He weeps with us in our pain. It is our Triune God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that move with us through our circumstances. God strengthens us in ALL things. It is that word “all” that brings courage. He strengthens us in those “all” things that are according to His will for us.
Whether, we are happily going about our day or at the bedside of a loved one dealing with illness, whether we have money in the bank or no money at all. Whether we are hungry or overfilled. Whether we are employed or seeking work. Whether the sun is shining or it is a cloudy day. Don’t we desire the peaceful state of being that Paul found? Contentment.
There is a strength that comes through a relationship with Christ that the world does not understand. Seek to find it. Peace is a perfect partner with strength. Both are available with a one on one relationship with Jesus.
Once I was lost, but now I am found; was blind, but now I see. We associate that verse from an age old hymn, with salvation. But, can’t we also say that not only did we find salvation through grace with Christ, but we also began to lay the groundwork to find contentment in all circumstances…For one reason…God is there.
~Scripture For Today~
Philippians 4:11-13
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.(NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! We praise You, the One who brings peace and strength. It matters not the circumstance we find ourselves in. You are there. We pray for the gift of contentment in all things. Waiting, worshipping and watching for You, in all things. You guide us through life. We thank You that You never leave us. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.