WATCHWORD:
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” …Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12:9-10
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Job 36:11
Meditation:
Contentment
Contentment. Oh, my, what an interesting word. The Urban Dictionary defines contentment this way: “Contentment is true peace of mind and has absolutely nothing to do with any external pleasure or condition, but rather your attitude.”
“All of Me” is a popular love song by John Legend that contains these words and sentiments:
All of me, loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
You’re my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I’m winning
Isn’t that lovely? I especially like “perfect imperfections” which really sums up the key to contentment. There is something special about reaching the state of mind when you look at your life, recognize all those imperfections, and yet, say, I’m good, I’m happy…I’m content. Thank you, Jesus.
However, contentment, as a state of mind, comes and goes, too often based on external pressures, entanglements, yesterday’s errors, or tomorrow’s worries. I agree with the Urban dictionary that contentment is a matter of attitude not latitude. It is what is in your mind, not where you are or what is happening around you.
Paul, in Romans 12:2, makes this statement: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Unfortunately, we find ourselves conforming to the behavior and customs of this world, or our culture, or our circle of friends, or following an imagined or real insult or slight by loved ones, and we inch away from God’s will. It is at precisely that point that we need to grab ourselves by the ears and shake the “poor me” right out of there, and lay it all on our Lord in prayer.
This experience that we have all had is God’s way of transforming us into new people by changing the way we think, the renewing of our minds. You know, that is the opposite of conforming to the world. Christians must think differently. But, we are human and we act on our feelings or we are only concerned about doing. Life by feelings or by doings will never know the transforming power of God because it simply ignores the renewing of the mind.
That is the point, we are transformed on the inside, and the proof of that becomes evident on the outside where others can see the perfect will of God in our actions.
Romans 12 is a wonderful and instructive chapter for in it Paul explains how to live out the will of God in your life. Read it, digest it, think on it, pray on it and I believe you will come to a better and richer understanding of God’s will for your life. Don’t parse it out, read the whole chapter, learn of the mercy of God for you, and as you do, you may know what the good and acceptable and perfect will of God is. But here is the clincher, you can’t prove it in your life apart from the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
How do we explain the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives which we can’t prove? The answer is in our faith, defined in Hebrews 11:1 — Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. We are back to that matter of attitude, and the contentment of our minds in Christ. Amen. Stan
Bulletin Board:
After having children, Adam and Eve started getting a lot of questions from their kids about why they no longer lived in Eden. Adam has a simple answer for this: “Your mother ate us out of house and home.”
What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth? Answer: He was Ruth-less.
Morning Prayer:
Good morning, Lord! Today’s a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone and with it any regrets, mistakes, or failures I may have experienced. It’s a good day to be glad and give thanks, and I do, Lord. Help me keep the attitude of gratitude throughout this day, and find contentment in all things. Thank you for today, a new opportunity to love, give, and be all that you want me to be with the strength that will come from You. Amen.
