April 9, 2016

PPIL
Philippians 4:11 NKJV - "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."

Commentary:

In this series of "Personal Promises" claimed by personal requests to a Personal God I bring your attention to a very familiar verse dealing with the subject of being content.  I've come to understand being content as "the grateful acceptance of whatever God allows in my life without complaint or pride."  Paul also mentions being content in 1 Timothy 6:6, 8 NKJV - "Now godliness with contentment is great gain...And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."  God wants us to learn the value of being content however He works in our lives.  Contentment means we believe God knows what's best for us and He has plans for the way He either gives us much or allows us very little.  We learn to trust the Lord's wisdom.

Two important thoughts arise here:  First, each Christian needs to understand this attitude is what God wants all of us to possess.  Remember, back in Philippians 2:5 NKJV Paul said, "Let this mind [attitude] be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."  Christ was perfectly content in what little He possessed while on earth.  He set the example for each one of us to follow.

The second thought is recognizing one of the most oft repeated verses in the Bible, Philippians 4:13 NKJV - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Where is that verse found?  Only two verses from our Daily Verse!  In other words, the context of verse 13 deals with the subject of being content!  How could Paul be content?  By personally trusting Christ to give Him the strength to accept whatever God wanted to do with him.  Again, this is a personal promise brought to us by a Personal God and granted when we personally trust Him to provide the strength we need to be content!

As a Christian, YOU can be content in whatever situation you're in if you would trust God to fulfill His promise to you.  If He could save you from sin can He not give you the joy and peace of being content?  Trust Him.