March 10, 2019
Contentment in Every Circumstance
Many people think contentment is elusive, because happiness and peace never last. But is that really the reason? It’s common to associate a state of satisfaction with a positive situation, but Paul challenges this idea when he says, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11).
Contentment isn’t something that comes naturally; it is learned. And what kind of classroom do you think God uses? It’s not in the midst of comfort and ease that we sense gratification most profoundly, but in situations that cause us to be troubled, fearful, and anxious. Paul had plenty of opportunities for these lessons because his life was a series of hardships (2 Corinthians 11:23-33). And in his letters, he passes down what he’s learned about contentment.
Focus on Christ rather than your circumstances. Paul had every reason to complain, because he was wrongfully imprisoned. Yet in his letter to the Philippians, he didn’t blame anyone or grumble. Instead, he kept rejoicing in Christ because that’s where his focus, affections, and devotion lay.
Focus on what God is doing through the situation. Paul saw how the Lord used his imprisonment for the greater progress of the gospel (Phil. 1:12).
Focus on the omnipotence and goodness of the Lord. The apostle was confident that his circumstances were under the sovereign control of God—the One who causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).
In essence, we could say that Paul evaluated his circumstances through a God-centered lens. The result was joy and contentment in every situation.
Bible in One Year: Joshua 16-19
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Pastor Dewey note: Lean into God is the answer. The Natural Food store I go to can hardly keep anxiety remedies in stock. Doctors tell me that so many of their patients are stressed out on life, it is causing so many health problems. This is a great post on this problem…….This political climate we live in is one of the main reasons, I talk to people who tell me they are scared about what is happening to America. We counsel people here at FGGAM, we help them as much as we can and try to get them medical help and Biblical counseling plus get them connected with a Pastor and Church. So many folks are not connected to a Pastor and Church.
Opinion: The three words we all need to hear
Fox News
Americans are becoming increasingly anxious, depressed, and stressed out with life, and it is wreaking havoc on their physical and mental health, leading to one significant outcome: giving up. Read the full story
Shared from Apple News