Thursday, January 9, 2014

Strong. Content.

Have you ever been so discontented in your present circumstances that it wears on your whole mental status?  I certainly have and it was one of the largest growing experiences of my life.  I say that as if it's only happened once.  It's occurred several times.  It's amazing what God uses to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him.

Paul seems to have the greatest examples of these trying times, yet he learns to be fully content in each day.  He writes to the Philippians about being content in all circumstances saying:

"...for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.  I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance.  I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having sufficiency and being in want.  I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." (Philippians 4:11-13 AMP)

It's not that we won't face hardships or hit lows in our life and spiritual life.  It's that we have a hope in Christ for redemption.  This is where contentment is found.  If we lose that hope and joy we allow Satan to mangle our mental state.  When we look to Christ for our needs He will provide the strength to prevail.  

"I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency."  HELLO!!  We don't need anything but our Savior.  We've been given everything else as luxury.  Don't lose sight of His life for your own.  Live for Him; everything else is for the birds.  

That doesn't mean to give up on working and learning.  That's a part of living for Him.  Use your gifts and talents that God has so graciously created in you.  Do so for His glory so that all others can see His magnificence.  When tribulations occur look heavenward and He will provide the strength you need.  

3 comments:

  1. Coupled with your add-on from yesterday this makes a great point. The trials and tests we have on this earth are God's way of disciplining/loving us to become what He wants us to be, a reflection of him. Yes we sometimes have to call someone out, but only for their good. How much do we have to hate to allow a person to continue down a destructive path?

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  2. I agree Kip! Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told us to go out and be disciples. We are falling down on our job when we choose to remain ignorant of the people we are supposed to be loving!

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