Friday, August 31, 2007

The Secret of Contentment

“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-12)

The Philippian church was born out of struggle and pain. In Philippi there was no synagogue that Paul could use for contacts, so he, Luke, Silas, and Timothy went to a small stream just outside the city gates where they heard there might be a prayer meeting, and there was. They spoke the gospel there, and Lydia believed. She invited them to her home, which is where the church began. Paul and Silas, however, were soon arrested for casting a demon out of a young slave girl. Her outraged owners had them thrown in jail and purposely had them put in painful circumstances. As Paul and Silas sang hymns at midnight, an earthquake broke open the chains and doors of all the prisoners. When the panicked jailer saw this, he started to kill himself and save himself from a more painful death, but Paul’s voice stopped him. “We are all here.” The relieved jailer came to faith that night and was baptized. The next day the alarmed city officials, when they discovered that Paul was a Roman citizen, came and begged them to leave Philippi. After greeting the church, they did so.

No mention is made of Lydia when Paul wrote the Philippian church. She was a businesswoman, so it is very possible that she re-located. He did mention several, and one of them was Epaphroditus, who was mentioned twice. Epaphroditus had journeyed to Rome: 1) to see Paul, 2) to help with the situation, and 3) to deliver a gift of money to Paul. The Philippian church was a partner-church for Paul.

In this context, Paul thanked the Philippian believers for their generous gift, and he made the statement in the verses above. Through the years Paul experienced times where there was an abundance of finances and times when they were very slim. He saw times when he was able to eat, and times he was unable to eat.

Sometimes when folks go through difficult times, whatever the circumstances may be, there can be a tendency to wonder where God is, what He is doing, and why He doesn’t help more. Abundance tends to create comfort, but lack tends to create criticism it seems for some. Who knows, Paul may have done some of that himself, but he says, “I have learned the secret of being content.” Through the years he had learned to rely wholly on the strength that Jesus provides, regardless of the circumstances that might exist.

All of us face circumstances that, at times, may be very good and positive, and, at times, may not be so good. They might be relational, financial, medical, educational, or such, but whether the circumstances are good or not so good, this principle applies. In any circumstance, we turn to the Lord, seek Him, and rely on His strength. And we do so consistently, trusting Him to provide direction.

Lord, May our focus always be toward You, whatever the circumstances. Amen.

No comments: