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. Philippians 4: 12, NIV.
Merciful God, please help us to develop a new way of seeing life as we study Your Word; for Christ’s sake. Amen.
What constitutes a contented heart? What is necessary for us to develop an attitude of contentment? Our verse for today, has some hints of what is necessary in order for people to be contented. Based on the words that are used to describe the apostle’s attitude, I believe we could safely say that contentment begins in the mind, and ends in the heart. Notice also, that the apostle describes contentment as a secret.
He begins by saying, that he knows, what it is to be in need. He has experienced need. But he has also experienced having plenty. I believe that you will agree with me that it is much easier to go from being in need to having plenty, than the other way around. We do not miss what we have never had. Nonetheless, we find it very hard to give up the things that we have grown accustomed to; the things that represent our way of life.
That is where the secret comes in! The secret creates balance. No circumstance can keep the person who has learned the secret of contentment, down. They fall down, but they get up. and keep on going. This is not an easy lesson to learn; but it is one of the most valuable! The person who has learned this lesson has no desire to keep up with the Joneses. They do not have a need to purchase the latest fashions on the market. They buy the best clothing they can afford; and take good care of them. They realize that it is not necessary to change their car every year. Instead, they give good maintenance to the one they have, that it may last them a long time. They are mentally prepared to deal with all kinds of situations!
In the time of famine, as well as in the time of plenty, they rise above depression. They may be tried, but not troubled. They may be frustrated, but not forsaken. They may be tossed about with doubt, but they are not cast down. They know that they are more than their possessions. They have learned the secret! Therefore, along with the song writer they are prepared to say, “Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, ‘it is well, it is well, with my soul!’ “
It is difficult fo rme to find peace, living with someone who is not at peace, especially when we do not have plenty. I have come to realize that this person believes that he would have plenty if I had not recommended early retirement for the sake of his health and life. To him I am a betrayer, a liar, a cheater, a swindler and even an adultress. I don’t need to be the good guy, but I feel like the waves are sweeping over me and now onto my mother as well. My whole family wants me to get a divorce, but I have a hard time with this, even though I have been there before. I only ask for your prayers.
It is difficult fo rme to find peace, living with someone who is not at peace, especially when we do not have plenty. I have come to realize that this person believes that he would have plenty if I had not recommended early retirement for the sake of his health and life. To him I am a betrayer, a liar, a cheater, a swindler and even an adultress. I don’t need to be the good guy, but I feel like the waves are sweeping over me and now onto my mother as well. My whole family wants me to get a divorce, but I have a hard time with this, even though I have been there before. I only ask for your prayers.