SCRIPTURE: Philippians 3-4
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11)
As far as his worldly situation and struggles, Paul is content.
He doesn’t worry himself about food or money or possessions or being in prison.
But when it comes to desire for God’s best and blessing, he is driven.
“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)
I find myself leaning in the opposite direction, though I am not content with that.
Its scary how much the fading pleasures and treasures of this world pull at me.
Paul’s focus is on Jesus, knowing Jesus, being like Jesus, sharing Jesus with others.
Jesus represents all that we really need, and all that our hearts really desire.
He offers deep hope, deep love, deep joy, deep peace, deep confidence, beyond all understanding.
I would like to know this Jesus too, I would like to learn this secret of contentment!
‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, and the things of this world will grow strangely dim!’
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, show me again that the things of this world cannot satisfy my soul. May Your Spirit give me another taste today of the surpassing greatness of knowing You!
Observations/Application
What’s my goal in life?
What’s my mindset?
I am always reminded of a ray in geometry – it has a starting point but no end – it continues forever. The dot is this fleeting earth but it is from there we start with our praises/work/worship/service to our Saviour forevermore. That never ends. And the ray always points away from the start – the focus is not on self but pointing towards ‘home.’ Christ Jesus has prepared a place for us and what a homecoming that will be. Therefor each anew, with the gift of His Spirit, He enables me to keep my eyes on Him, encouraged by ‘family members’ to do His works of service with the given gifts. He supplies. He energizes. He directs. He enables.
Always.
Always I must live for Jesus.
1
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
2
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!
3
His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!