The is Arvell Craig with the Monday Morning Devo for December 22, 2014
The Apostle Paul in Phil. 4:12-13: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
It seems what Paul learned was how to draw upon the strength of God in every season. He may not have been able to change his situation, but he was able to change his heart or protect his heart, his mood, his peace.
So in this context, the phrase “I can do all things” seems to really be saying I can ‘endure’ all things, through Christ who strengthens me.
In fact, if you look up the Message Bible translation, it’s written like this: “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
How important is it for us to develop situationally agnostic contentment?
To have a heart of joy and resevoir of peace and hope that is not dependant on other people, on our health or our bank account?
Sure – this may seems to be only a dream, but like any dream worth aspiring to, the journey towards it has its own rewards.
I believe, that the Apostle Paul like Enoch walked with God. And in that walk, his inner man developed such strength that the affairs of the physical world paled in comparision to the rich beauty and glory ever present in the presence of God.
How much more important is it for us to learn to develop the inside, the condition of our heart. Is our heart healthy or happy? Are we content with who we are? Or are we numb to the soul but alive to the superficial, the material the sensorial?
I believe the presence of God teaches our heart to feel gratitude and our eyes to see beauty.
“There is a place,
in the center of God’s grace,
where I find rest,
the freedom from all stress.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24 says,
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
24but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, awaken our hearts through your presence to see beauty. To reflect glory. To delight in what you delight and to become a light the dispells darkness.
In Jesus Name – Amen.