In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul writes, "...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."
Can you say the same? Have you learned what it means to be content, regardless of your current successes or failures? Regardless of how people treat you? Do you wake up every day giving thanks for His new mercies, regardless of whether or not you think you deserve the circumstances you are facing, the very circumstances that have brought you pain, sadness, anxiety, or heartache. Could it be financial strife, or maybe a broken relationship that you are allowing yourself to be consumed by? Have you asked God to move you out of this state of brokenness?
Paul has been there. He experienced great loss, suffering great persecution for defending his faith, and has also had the great privilege of experiencing God's great blessing. He was a sinner, just like you and me, and he has suffered greatly for the sake of his ministry. The wonderful lesson that he presents to us in his letter to the Philippians is that it is possible to be content, to find joy, in all circumstances. How? Because we can do all things through him (Christ) who gives us strength.
We weren't designed to handle life on our own. We were designed by a wonderful God who cares about us. He is the Great Comforter, and His word brings us just that. If you are feeling worried or anxious, remember that His word says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phil 4:6) Did you catch that? He says in EVERYTHING, pray! Without difficult times, its easy to become self reliant.
Instead of dwelling in the depths of our lowest lows, let's take on Paul's attitude. Let's view our circumstances as God views them. Let's not dwell on the have nots, or the disappointments, or the "unfairness" of our situations. I have learned so much more from my failures and struggles than I have from any success or victories God has allowed me to experience. Is God stretching us, molding us into closer likeness to the Son? Is He teaching us to graciously and humbly accept our successes by sprinkling in a few hard lessons? Can we truly appreciate our blessings without knowing loss? Could it be that that's the only way He can get our attention because we're so focused on ourselves? Could be that it's not even about us at all. Maybe God is using your life to change someone else's.
I can relate to Paul on a smaller scale. While my sufferings have been minimal in comparison, I know what it means to have plenty, and I know what it means to be in want. Every time I am tempted to wallow in grief and negativity, He reminds me that I can do all things through him who gives me strength. I CAN have a positive attitude as long as I am consistent in seeking Christ's strength to bring me to that place. How? By regularly spending time in the word, and in prayer. Consistently. Daily. Dedicated. Time.
As James says in Chapter 1, verses 2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
There are many trials that come to mind that I do not consider to be joyful in and of themselves. Death, job loss, marital strife, disability, depression... However, the joy comes from knowing that in these trials, we can lean on Jesus Christ to provide us the strength to endure. There is great joy in knowing that we are becoming stronger in our faith. That God has enough faith in us that he would use us as a witness to others is an honor. And best of all, how wonderful is it that we are so loved that God would see to it that we would be made mature, complete, and lacking nothing.
At a recent conference that I attended, God was clearly speaking to me about my attitude in my circumstances. The truth (for me) was that it may not be well with my circumstances, but it is well with my soul. So much of our own happiness and contentment rests in our attitude and perspective about our situation.
Lord, I pray that I would see less than ideal circumstances not from my own point of view, but from Yours! Help me to lean on You when I need an attitude adjustment. Open the eyes to all the blessings you've poured out on me when the trials seem to muddy the view. It is in Your Son's precious name that I pray. Amen.
I wanted to include a link to the song "Blessings" by Laura Story. If you've never heard it before, please take the time to listen. You will not be disappointed.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ
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