Post by Cindy on Jan 8, 2016 12:55:25 GMT -5
I was considering Phil 4:12 and how Paul had said he'd learned the secret to being content, and wondering what his secret was. Paul had been through a great many trials, had been in great physical pain and even near death at times, so how could he be content through it all? I was wondering this, partly because I was sick yet again and it was causing me to be in even more physical pain then usual, and I wasn't feeling at all content about it! But because I want to obey God and live a life that honors Him, I very much wanted to know that secret. I realize that part of the secret is shown us in verse 13 where he says he knows he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength, but there's more to it then that. I was sure of it. So I asked the Lord, what is the secret? Once again, as I browsed in His Word, looking for His leading, the light bulb went off when I came to some scriptures that He'd already explained. Scriptures about forgiveness, and scriptures about love. We tend to think of those things as feelings, but they really aren't just feelings, they're decisions, commitments and choices we make. I realized then that it was the same with being content. God wasn't talking about a "feeling" there, He's talking about a choice, a decision and a commitment to be content no matter what our circumstances are! THAT, I could do! The great part about it is, that when we've made the decision to be content, regardless of what our feelings are at the moment, eventually, our feelings will fall in line with the commitment we made. The Lord had already shown me that with both love and forgiveness, so I knew it would hold true for contentment as well. Praise God!!!!
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11–13)
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11–13)
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