“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 NIV)
In this letter to the church at Philippi, Paul encourages those who are trying do what is right for all concerned. In the midst of their own challenges, they sought to provide him with those things he needed while he was imprisoned. Remember this, when people were imprisoned in those days, they were dependent upon others for food since their jailers were not necessarily interested in attending their needs. But Paul, understanding their own plight and needs, encourages them by telling them how he’s learned to be content in whatever situation he’s found himself because of Jesus.
Whenever we find ourselves in situations that cause us to cringe and perhaps re-think what we’re doing because everything is not coming together we way we expected it to come together, pause and think about others who are in situations worse than ours and be grateful for what we have.
With every negative event occurring in America right now and the exposure of corruption at every level of government and —we can still exercise our right to vote by getting our feet moving in the right direction without fear of being persecuted for daring to vote.
Though some criticize Believers for their faith in God, we still have the right to worship Him, whenever we want to do so.
Even though there are hundreds of people starving everyday–in America–most of us still exercise “choice” in what we eat and how often we eat.
In spite of the “oversight” of government through surveillance at every corner, it’s all for our good.
Though we may not have the car of our dreams, if we’re driving anything that moves, we should be content.
If children are not wearing the most expensive gym shoes or the latest designer clothes, if they have clothes on their back and shoes on their feet that protect them from the elements, they should be content.
If we have not arrived at the place of success we desire, we learn to be content with what we have and in His strength, keep moving forward, keeping our eyes on the prize.
When life does not provide us with all we want, we should practice contentment and joy in the strength of the Lord so when we continue our journey, we are ready for all we will receive.
If we are bitter through the times of lack, we’ll not be better when we have more than enough; we’ll just grumble over not having more.
With whatever we have–we should learn to be content–still looking to Jesus, expecting His best in our lives–and praising Him while we wait. As long as we’re alive, breathing on our own, we yet have opportunity to do good–for others and teach them by example how to wait to see the promises of God.
Instead of crying the blues over everything that doesn’t go our way and being bitter, let’s be better and sing songs of praise, seeking His wisdom, assuring ourselves that we will have a great day, every day!
maryhallrayford 