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.~Philippians 4:12
Have I learned the secret? Have I really learned how to be content in all circumstances? I would love to say yes, but the truth is that I am a work still on progress.
When I read this passage today the truth of it smacked me on the head. I am good with the plenty, but I struggle with the need. I do know the secret, but I am not putting the truth of that secret into practice.
The secret is that I can be content when things are going well and I can be content when struggles arise because my strength to handle them is not based on me but Jesus. Jesus is the source of our strength ( Philippians 4:13) and He has overcome every situation and circumstance(John 16:33).
The secret is that God is good and gracious. He is compassionate and His love endures forever(Psalm 100:5). The truth is that He is in the midst of it all and that I can trust Him with outcome. I am content when I focus on who He is rather than my abundance or lack.
When I focus on the abundance I might get prideful and neglect to give Him credit. I may take too much or granted. But in His strength I can praise Him and celebrate that I am able to be a blessing to another ( Psalm 1:3; Luke 6:38).
If I focus on the lack I might get bitter from all the worrying and become paralyzed by fear instead of remembering that God is bigger than any problem. When I focused on Him I look to the hills from whence cometh my help. I know that my help comes from the Lord and He will keep me (Psalm 121).
When I practice the secret, standing on the truth, my mind and heart are guarded with His peace.
Lord, You have told me the secret to be content. Let me walk in that truth. Forgive me for those times when I am too busy trying to work it out instead of just trusting You. Help me not to fear the times of need because You are my provider. In Jesus name. Amen
Amen Jennifer! Thank you for explaining how to be content. I also struggle with being content when I am lacking. Sometimes I tend to focus on the issue rather than God's promises. Thank you Father God for using Jennifer as a vessel to spread the gospel to others. Continue to give her a fresh anointing every day in Jesus' name. AMEN.
ReplyDeleteThank you Frances for the words of encouragement and prayer. Thankful for God’s grace that allows us to learn how to lean on Him.
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