"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 things through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV).
Are you content? Can you say you have been content in every situation? It sounds impossible doesn't it? But according to Paul contentment can be learned. Let's review the different situations Paul is referring to. "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from river, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger in the sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked" (II Cor. 11:23-27 NIV).
No matter what your circumstances I'm thinking they couldn't compare to the hardships of Paul, and he learned to be content. I believe he wrote all of these down to encourage us. If he could find strength in God to help him through all these tough times, we too can ask God to help us and be assured that He will come to our aid. The reason Paul could do all things through Christ who gave him strength was because he gave his all to the cause of Christ. He surrendered all of his life to doing the Lord's will and the Lord helped him to be content. He trusted in Jesus to give him peace.
Jesus said ..."Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27 NIV). No matter what our circumstances are we can know that we can have the peace that Jesus spoke of as long as we surrender everything into His hands. It is possible to learn how to be content. Pray that God will give you the strength to carry on during the tests in life. Rest in His love and feel His peace envelop you. Take time out of your busy day to just concentrate on His peace.
Dear Lord,
Help us to be like Paul and learn how to be content in all circumstances. We know that you can give us peace that the world cannot give. In the midst of our busy lives, help us to take time to just bask in your love and find peace.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
