Week 3 | Day 2 | The Secret to Being Content

Command:

Beware of Coveting/Greed - Luke 12:15

Read:

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself. I have learned the secret… I can do all things through the one who strengthens me. Philip. 4:11-13 (NIV)

Reflect:

I grew up in the South Bay and went to college in Oklahoma, then settled in Texas for several years. My dear mother missed me and my family and often expressed her desire for me to return to California. Since she liked to read from the King James Version of the Bible, I lightheartedly quoted Philippians, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” She was not amused. 

There is a secret in the wisdom of Paul’s words that certainly should be taken to heart. The secret to contentment. How can I be content when my circumstances are difficult, unfair, or lacking and I feel distressed, dissatisfied, frustrated and despondent? What would empower me to have sufficient ability to deal with or at least cope with tough times and maintain a confident peace?

The secret did not come to Paul naturally. He learned it through enduring many hardships while “living, moving and being with the God who is never far from any one of us”. (Acts 17:27-28) And the secret is this. “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself. I have learned the secret… I can do all things through the one who strengthens [empowers, invigorates] me.” Philip. 4:11-13 

Paul learned the secret of living through the one who empowers us, and we can too. In fact, he prefaces the secret with these words. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” We can learn from Paul’s example and inspired words. He learned the secret from Jesus who invites us to find the rest that comes from learning from him. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

React:

I can learn that as I connect with Christ, who is never far from me, I can access sufficient ability to deal with my circumstances and to be content rather than succumb to discontent and complaining. 

Pray:

Father, help me remember that I can be at ease in difficult moments and tough times because I am infused with Christ’s empowering and invigorating presence.