Monday, August 27, 2007

Contentment in all things.

It's HARD!
Life throws you curves and stresses and large piles of poo in this fallen world, and yet we are called to be content. Paul tells in Philippians that he has learned to be content in all situations and circumstances. He said, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." It's probably one of verses of the Bible that's taken out of context the most.
It doesn't mean that I can jump off a cliff and fly or disappear or have x-ray vision because Christ gives me strength. Rather, in context, it means that because we have the strength of Christ, we are able and equipped to deal with whatever life throws us.
I'm trying my best to rely on Christ today. My day has sucked, sucked, sucked so far. Stresses are piling up. I know Jesus will help me through it all. I trust that He is both sovereign and good. But that doesn't make it any easier to be content in the midst of madness that is not necessarily of my making!
However, it was pointed out to me by someone quite wise that Paul tells us that he has LEARNED to be content in all things. It is something that must be practiced and prayed over, not something that is easily attained. Paul was a SAINT, after all. But then again, so am I (small "s")... So here I go...

2 comments:

Crystal said...

I pray the rest of your day was much better and that you were able to find some measure of contentment in the midst of the seeming chaos!

paul said...

I am reminded of a couple of verses in 2 Corinthians:
"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Cor. 2:7)

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9)

When I am weak, then I am strong....