BEING CONTENT
17th Apr 2024
Paul writes, “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.” (Philippians 4:11-12)
We choose the way we experience life on a daily basis, we can live with thankfulness and gratitude, or we can look at our lack and our needs; we can look at others and be envious of how we compare unfavourably with them. We heard about someone recently who was upset that the designer watch they were wearing was inferior to those worn by close friends!
When Jesus was sending out His disciples to spread the gospel He gave them some instructions, in Luke 10:5-6 He says, “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not it will return to you.”
We all create an atmosphere around us which will be experienced by those we are in contact with. To personalise the words in David’s Psalm 103, “Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all my sins, who heals all my diseases, who redeems my life from the pit and crowns me with love and compassion, who satisfies my desires with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Is this our daily declaration?
Paul writes to Timothy in his first letter, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7)
I am challenged as I look at the life of Jesus, he lived a life full of joy, peace and compassion. As He was leaving the disciples, His words were “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.”
Is my/your life characterised by peace, thanksgiving, joy and encouragement, or do the burdens of life and dissatisfaction with my/your circumstances spill out and effect those around me/you?
by Charles Sibthorpe