31 Days of Devotions Day 4: Contentment

 

Day 4 Contentment

 

Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know how to be abased (made low), and I know how to abound (prosper): everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.”

 

This is a very interesting passage, as far as I am concerned, because of where the Apostle Paul was when he wrote it. As I said in part one, I grew up as a follower of Christ from a very young age, learning these principles and walking in them consistently until I was 17 and graduated from High School. But it wasn’t until I went through all of the trials in part one that I fully appreciated what Paul was saying here and the significance of where he was writing from. During the six months I was incarcerated in 2002-2003, God taught me what Paul meant by being content no matter what situation he found himself in. It is of great significance to me because Paul wrote this passage while in prison! How fitting that God should allow me to relearn this lesson in contentment when I was in a very similar place to Paul's. Since then, God has used the various circumstances in my life to teach me and give me the experience that I needed to teach others because I have experienced similar situations in which they find themselves.

 

I can say to them, “I was in a very similar situation; here is what God taught me and how He carried me through those circumstances.” He has given me the experiences so that I can both sympathize and empathize with these people who are hurting and help them realize that when their trust is in Him, they can get through those difficult times. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says this: “There hath no temptation (trial) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Many people, well-meaning followers of Christ, I’ve even heard ministers misquote this verse. They often stop after the word able, and make the verse sound like God will not give you more than you can bear, but they are missing the second part of the verse, which is maybe even more important than the first part. God makes a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. It doesn’t say that God will just eliminate the trial; sometimes we need to go through it so God can use us to help others. It says that we may be able to BEAR IT. God may deliver you from it completely, but be open to letting Him help you to bear that trial.

 

One final verse here, often misinterpreted. Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” In the end, ALL things will work to the good. We may not always see the end result, but it is key to remember that it doesn’t say we will be exalted or even delivered; ALL things will bring glory to God!

 

 

Questions to reflect on:

1.     What does Philippians 4:11-13 mean to me? What am I facing that God could be using to teach me how to be content no matter the circumstances that I find myself in? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

2.      How can I use the trials I have been through and am going through to help others come to Christ by sharing my trials and what I have learned to help them through theirs? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.     Am I willing to commit to submitting to God in these trials and letting Him teach me how to be content no matter what state I find myself in? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Prayer:

Dear Father God, please remind me that when times are tough, or when things are going exceedingly well, to be content wherever I find myself because my joy and contentment are found in you and not my circumstances. Help me use these times, whether times of plenty or times of need, to relate to others, to sympathize and empathize with them, and, most importantly, to share your Good News with them. In Jesus' name, Amen.