WEDNESDAY January 26, 2022

Contentment in Christ

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 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 4:10-12

Paul had an amazing love for the Philippian church. He desired those causing division would settle their differences so they could continue to be a strong witness of Christ’s love to the world. In his life, Paul traveled far and wide to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He looked for every opportunity to share the Good News because he genuinely loved and cared for people’s souls.

I find it so easy to share the Gospel with people. I want them to know the message of the Cross is real. My heart’s desire is for them to find the Lord. If they do not receive the message, then, that is up to them; they have a free choice, but I need to continue to do what God has called me to do––preach the Gospel.

Paul believed in the message of the Cross. It had changed his entire life. The Cross of Jesus Christ became the central theme of his life: For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

In his new life, Paul had learned contentment. He shared the secret of being content––to be in Christ. He did not have to be pampered to be content. He found contentment in the spiritual resources abundantly provided to him by Jesus Christ Himself.

Paul was like a set thermostat on the wall. Instead of having spiritual ups and downs when his situations changed, he stayed an even temperature, steadily moving onward in the work of Christ––nothing moved him away from the purposes of Christ––nothing.

Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.
~Jeremiah Burroughs~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!