I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. –
Philippians 4:12b-13
Last night, we began our summer study of the book ‘Rest of God” by Mark Buchanan. It is no coincidence that I am reading this and “Margin” by Richard Swenson at the same time. Both books are a thought-provoking look at work and rest and what the Bible teaches us about them.
One of the thoughts that struck me in reading these two books is how much we have bought into the lie of “if only.” If only I had a different job, or made more money or a different boss or didn’t have to deal with the snippy, snarky co-worker, then everything would be fine. Really?
We think contentment lies at the heart of better circumstances. Swenson writes that “contentment isn’t denying one’s feelings about unhappiness, but instead a freedom from being controlled by those feelings.” This rings true throughout Scripture. Paul knew the secret to contentment didn’t lie in different circumstances, but in fixing his eyes on Christ.
I don’t know what circumstances you find yourself in today. I have no doubt many of you have had a bad day, week, month, or even year. Let me encourage you to seek God. Ask Him to show you what He can do in the midst of your circumstances. Will you worship God and thank Him for His blessings regardless of the circumstances, or is your faith proportionate to your level of comfort?