We’ve been studying contentment this month at Ordinary, with a splash of flash. The apostle Paul has given some wonderful advice on being content in Philippians 4. But…
What happens…
- When the music ends…
- When the habit is forgotten…
- When the pressures of the season overwhelm me…
- When the sandpaper people scratch me…
- When I’m not sitting still at His feet…
- When I don’t think I will ever get this Christian living right…
- When I can’t make myself content even with all these lessons?
That, my friends, is when we need to remember Paul’s secret to being content: I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Above all else, remember this.
All things: We are ready to face anything.
Through Christ: as believers, we have Christ in us (Galatians 2:20) and resurrection power available to us (Ephesians 1:19-20). That resurrection power enables us to say no to sin and discontent, and yes to God!
Who strengthens me: We are self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency (Philippians 4:13 AMP). Our strength comes not from our own trying or striving, but from Christ alone. We wholly depend on Him for all our spiritual power.
The more time we spend in God’s word, the more we know Him. The more we know Him, the more we want to be like Him.
I watched my granddaughter demonstrate this so innocently one night. She was about six at the time. That night, there happened to be an “older” boy visiting. He was eight. Brooke had her young eye on him. She watched him drink milk, and suddenly she wanted some. He sat on the swing, and before we could blink, she was next to him. She kinda liked him, and wanted to do what he did.
Same premise here. We want to be more like Christ. We want to dig deep into His power, and be content in all situations. We want the peace that surpasses all understanding. So we’re gonna follow Him around (in scripture) and get to know Him.
And when we do, our contentment becomes more than just singing praises when we’re down. It becomes more than just a habit to be practiced on auto-pilot. It becomes a new way of life for us!
Until next week,
Lord, You sent Your Son Jesus to pay the price for my sins. For this I thank You. Because of Him, I have strength to do all things. Because of Him, I have peace and contentment. Because of Him, I can choose joy in all circumstances. Christ enables me to do this. Thank You, God! In Jesus precious name. Amen.
Linking up today with Holly Barrett, Equipping Godly Women, Blessed But Stressed and The Weekend Brew.
I love how you related your granddaughter’s wanting to be like her older visitor to how we ought to be like Christ. Simple and succinct. That’s great storytelling.
Thank you Mary! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Beautiful description of following and being content in the process. The connection to your granddaughter provided a perfect word picture of how we want to be like those we adore or more specifically, Christ. Blessed you linked to The Weekend Brew.
MAry, thank you for stopping by! We can learn so much from the little ones in our life, amen?
Every time I visit, I remember just how beautiful you little corner of the web is. Love it. Thanks for helping me remember the true foundation of contentment. It can be hard to hang on to!
But hang on to it we must! Especially during this busy season! Thanks for stopping by my little world! Love you friend!
Ellen, a perfect piece for me to read today. THANK YOU!
I’m so glad, Susan! Thanks so much for stopping by my little corner of the internet!
Hi, I make the third Mary. LOL
Anyway, I have been praying, “I can do all things through Christ whom strengthens me” all week. I have major health issues and have to get my weight issue under control. It is awesome that you are quoting that same verse. I think it is an affirmation for me. I also need to follow Christ around more in His word. Thanks so much for your encouragement today.
HA! Mary #3, I’m so glad you said that. I got confused the other day thinking I had answered a comment from Mary, only to realize it was Mary #2!! Isn’t it wonderful how the Lord sends us affirmation just when we need it most? And it is such a wonderful scripture to help us through those weak moments (of which there are many for me!). Thanks so much for stopping by!
Oh! I love the ‘sandpaper people’ allusion! I have some of those in my life, and you’re right–they get especially hard to bear during the holidays (especially if they are rough grit 😉 ). Thank you for the reminder that I can do all things through HIM (not me–I know I’m front I can’t do it!).
Hey Anita, thanks so much for stopping by! Yes, those sandpaper people really do tend to wear us down during these Holy days. Lean in, sister!
Hi sweet Ellen. I LOVE your three point outline of Philippians 4:13! All things. Through Christ. Who Strengthens Me. Yes, I need to hang on to that this afternoon, friend. I’m reading it a few days late, Friday December 5th, but God knew when I’d need this reminder! 🙂
AH, Betsy, I so love how faithful the Lord is – to bring us to the scripture we need, the exact moment we need it! His timing is perfect! Thank you for stopping by, friend!