“I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content
in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty
or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians
4:12-13).
We
can't know true contentment and peace without God in our lives. Nothing on this
earth can offer such peace.... no possession, no person, no joyful anticipation.
Only God promises spiritual contentment and peace, and that is something the
world can never give.
The
Apostle Paul said that he had learned to be content in every circumstance. This
kind of peaceful contentment does not depend upon our circumstances. It is an
inward contentment that is only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul
didn't want to be in prison, and he certainly didn't want to be dependent on
others to provide for his needs. He longed to be out of jail. But, no matter
what he faced, he was content.
Nothing
made Paul content. His contentment came from his deep personal relationship with
Jesus Christ. God gave him peace, and with that peace a purpose to fulfill. His
incarceration could not stop him from trusting in God to meet all his needs. His
chains could not keep him from writing of God's great goodness. He had learned
the secret of being content in every circumstance.
Often
we discover that many things are just impossible for us. We cannot find
contentment and peace in our circumstances. Struggling doesn't help. Railing at
God doesn't help. In fact, it makes it worse. But there is a peace that passes
our understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). When we know God as intimately as Paul,
we can give Him all that rages, and take refuge in Him. Paul shows us that is it
absolutely possible to have peace and contentment when we trust God.
When
we discover this inner peace and contentment, nothing can come against us. We
discover that nothing is impossible for him. We can do whatever God calls us to
do. And we can do everything through Jesus who gives us to strength to
accomplish it.
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