Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 16, 2022
Read Philippians 4:10-14
10 I was very glad in the Lord because now at last you have shown concern for me again. (Of course you were always concerned but had no way to show it.) 11 I’m not saying this because I need anything, for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. 12 I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. 13 I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. 14 Still, you have done well to share my distress.
Good Morning, Rejoice, Rejoice, Again I say rejoice!
I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance . . . Wow! Are we ready to make this bold statement of faith? Being content?!? To be in a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction is the definition of content in the dictionary. Are we peacefully happy or satisfied all the time? What about our worries and anxieties? They don’t seem to fit into this scenario.
Paul, who is in prison and is isolated from his friends and followers, says that he has learned the secret, and more importantly he is allowing this knowledge/faith to envelop him with a sense of peaceful happiness. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
We, too, have been told by Jesus, by Paul, and by our faith mentors, to let go and let God. No problem in this world is too big for God. We must stop trying to control those things that are beyond our control. Through God, we can do all things because God empowers us with the strength that is necessary for each challenge we face.
I imagine that we all long for the peaceful happiness of which Paul speaks. Maybe we have felt it at times, but what about those tough times? Do we have a pity party, or are we content? We have everything we need for all situations. Claim and use the gift that is freely offered to us! Not just when everything is good, but at all times!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Still, we struggle! We can’t seem to truly walk in faith. We want to fix things that aren’t ours to fix. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s unconditional love can heal my wounded heart and spirit.
Let it Go, let It Go! (Are you singing yet?) Pastor Liz
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