Contentment In Every State
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (Philippians 4:11 NKJV)
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Philippians 4:12 NKJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
Have we learnt the secret of being content in every state? Jesus did and Paul did. They were the most content, resilient, joyful individuals recorded in history. God anointed Jesus with the oil of joy. They had that rare gift of peace and contentment even in the midst of the harshest trials and persecution.
There is a journey for every Christian and within that journey are valleys and lows. There must be some dry periods before we eventually get to the mountain top and are crowned with glory and favor. If we do not defeat the pleasures and cravings of the flesh and the world, we will not overcome. In that battle, there will be trials that will test our tenacity and patient endurance. When faced with these, we must remain calm and content instead of being bitter and angry,
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6 NKJV)
Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long-suffering with joy; (Colossians 1:11 NKJV)
Christ is the one who strengthens us to be content in every state and circumstance. Without Him we can do nothing.
All we need to do is rely and depend on Christ and keep our focus on Him instead of on the flesh and the world. We also need to keep praying with peace, diligence, patience and perseverance. If we are content even as we run our race and fight to get to the mountain top, then we are truly soldiers and imitators of Christ.
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