Wednesday, October 27, 2010 -
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Song of Sol. 6-8 & Ephesians 1
THANKFUL SUBMISSION – Submission of the Heart
SCRIPTURE READING
Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV); “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 everything through him who gives me strength.”
How many of us can speak these words with conviction and truth? If one outside of the faith would hear of the events of Paul’s life, he or she would likely think that the suffering much outweighed the “happiness.” Paul, however, would disagree as he found much joy in the task that Jesus had set before him, despite opposition. He endured much suffering – beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, starvation – he lists them all in 2 Corinthians 11. Contentment for the Christian is something that surpasses the world’s understanding. When we submit our hearts to Christ, even pain, suffering and injustice can be considered joy and gain because we know that it is neither circumstance nor belongings, nor even people from which we draw our strength, our hope and our joy. Contentment comes from the One who is a faithful rock; who was, who is and who is to come; God who does not change like shifting shadows; He who, “in the beginning… laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens… They will perish, but [he will] remain… [he] remain[s] the same and [his] years will never end.” (See Psalm 102)
PRAYER & MEDITATION
1. How have you allowed circumstances to determine your contentment today? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you have already resolved in your heart to be discontented, unhappy or dissatisfied with anything in your day today.
2. Meditate on Paul’s words in the Philippians 4 passage. Paul’s secret was to trust God in such a way that He could always say: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Do you take advantage of this secret? Take some time to pray and ask God to grow this kind of trust in you.
3. Spend time asking God what He wants you to be thankful for today and worship Him as the Giver of those things.
