Content

The devotional I received by e-mail is so appropriate for all that has happened this past week. I receive one almost every day from an ex-co-worker that has as deep a faith as I do that the Lord provides in all circumstances. It brings to mind the deep contentment achieved by those who have trusted Christ with all their heart. The verses referenced are from Philippians:

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

(Philippians 4:10-13 KJV)

From my friend, Sukylan by way of In Touch Ministries:

Think about the times when you have felt truly satisfied. What caused you to feel that way? For most people, a sense of well-being comes when their environment is just the way they want it, but that wasn’t the case with Paul. He learned to be content in every circumstance, good or bad.

We’d do well to learn a few lessons from him. After all, we can’t avoid all difficult situations, so we might as well discover how to face them with a tranquil, settled spirit rather than with frustration and anxiety.

Contentment isn’t governed by external circumstances. Changing the situation may bring temporary relief, but satisfaction based on circumstances will always be sporadic and fleeting. It’s a matter of how you think, not what you have.

Contentment flows from an inward attitude. The apostle’s inner calm came from a mind set on Christ. Choosing to trust the Savior no matter what, Paul allowed the Holy Spirit within him to rule his emotions and shape his responses.

Contentment is learned experientially. You cannot acquire it from a book or a sermon because it’s a process that must be lived out. Paul learned contentment on the road—in persecution, suffering, and prison. The Lord used every difficulty to transform him.

Situations that cause frustration, anxiety, and dissatisfaction are also the ones God uses to produce contentment in us. When you are fed up with your own grumbling, disappointment, and dissatisfaction, then you are ready to let the Lord teach you His new way of living—in joyous trust!

That’s the true abundant life – one lived with Christ at our center, removing the discontent of not having things our own way. For a moment I thought of how wonderful our world would be without the greed, the violence, the hatred that dwells in some of God’s creation. They should not set my path. I need not allow them to determine how I see God or how I respond to Him.

I will not allow others to determine how I see or how I reach God and receive the peace He offers. That comes from the relationship we build together.