I have learned to be content ∙

I have learned to be content ∙

I have learned to be content in any circumstance. – Philippians 4:11

Philippians 4:10-13

 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.

 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

We’ve all been there at one time or another. Our consumer-driven society encourages the acquisition of things, activities, gadgets, and the latest and greatest in ever-increasing amounts. Consequently, we experience a nagging feeling that what we have is not quite enough. If only we had just a little bit more. We have so much to be thankful for, yet it is never enough.

But more externals do not provide lasting contentment.

Of course, we can experience greater satisfaction by making some life changes, but the easiest way to be content with our life is to modify our perspective and transform our reactions. We can learn to appreciate what we have.

Reflect upon the times when you have felt truly satisfied. What caused you to feel that way? A sense of well-being often comes when your environment is just how you want it. But that was not the case with Paul. He learned to be content in every circumstance, good or bad.

None of us can avoid every problematic situation. Paul certainly did not. However, he discovered how to face hardship and difficulty with a tranquil and settled spirit. He overcame his natural propensity to be frustrated and anxious. Here are some key lessons.

Contentment is not governed by external circumstances. Changing the situation may bring temporary relief, but satisfaction based on circumstances will always be sporadic and fleeting. It is a matter of how you think, not what you have.

Contentment flows from an inward attitude. The apostle’s inner calm came from the mindset of the Lord Jesus Christ. Choosing to trust the Savior no matter what, Paul allowed the Holy Spirit within him to rule his emotions and shape his responses.

Contentment is learned experientially. You cannot acquire this from a book or sermon because it’s a process that must be lived out. Paul learned contentment in persecution, suffering, and prison. The Father used every difficulty to transform him (Stanley).

Many situations in life can easily cause irritation, disappointment, and anxiety. Ironically, these are the very things the Father uses to develop contentment in us. Discontentment is like a lawnmower. Eventually, it runs out of gas. Sooner or later, we finally become fed up with grumbling, discontent, and dissatisfaction. At that point, we are ready to let the Father teach us His new way of living “in joyous trust” (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

Contentment flows from an inward attitude. It is not based on outward circumstances.

Father grant me the wisdom to learn to respond with tranquility and calmness to the vagaries of life. Teach me the secret of undergoing life’s difficulties entrusting myself to You for the inner strength, peace, and contentment that only You provide.

INSIGHT

What is contentment, and how do we acquire it?

Contentment is not automatic. It does not just happen. It is a skill for living that is learned. It begins with our response to the vicissitudes of life. We choose to accept and be satisfied with whatever comes our way.

The Greek word translated as content is autarkes. Autarkes means to be satisfied or to show satisfaction with things just as they are. It means to find contentment independent of external circumstances. For Paul, contentment comes from complete readiness to accept whatever the Father gives without complaining, becoming upset, or angry (NIDNTT).

When starting a new job or project, various skills, techniques, activities, and procedures must be learned. Once we master the basics, we know how to apply them effectively across multiple circumstances. The more circumstances we face, the more proficient we become, and our skill set grows. Contentment develops in much the same way. It is our “on-the-job” reactions to the ebb and flow of everyday life.

Oh, how difficult it is to be content no matter what. Yet, that is precisely what Paul had achieved.

“Paul had learned to be content and to rejoice regardless of his physical circumstances. Such contentment is not a natural gift” (Constable). 

An excellent illustration of contentment is the difference between a thermostat and a thermometer. “A thermometer doesn’t change anything around it – it just registers the temperature. It’s always going up and down. But a thermostat regulates the surroundings and changes them when they need to be changed.”

“The Apostle Paul was a thermostat. Instead of having spiritual ups and downs as the situation changed, he went right on, steadily doing his work and serving . . .. he was not the victim of circumstances but the victor over circumstances” (Wiersbe).

What a great attitude Paul developed. Paul found his contentment in the spiritual resources abundantly provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. He had learned the secret of allowing the Father to energize and empower him from within. As a result, Paul’s remarkable attitude was that I can accept all things, I can do all things, I have all things (Philippians 4:11, 13, 18) (Wiersbe).

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© Dr. H 2023

At the crossroads ∙∙

At the crossroads ∙∙

Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:16

Jeremiah 6:16-19

 16 This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’”

 17 “I posted watchmen over you who said, ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’ But you replied, ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’”

 18 “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations. Take note of my people’s situation.”

 19 “Listen, all the earth! I will bring disaster on my people. It is the fruit of their own schemes because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected my word.”

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” (Edmund Burke).

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer).

The Father God is patient and long-suffering. He graciously gives His people ample opportunities to assess their circumstances and make righteous decisions. The narrative of Israel, beginning around 1400 BC when they first entered the promised land, and extending through the era of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah, spans approximately 800 years. Throughout this extensive period, a distinct pattern emerges, characterized by repeated cycles of obedience, disobedience, warning, judgment, repentance, and restoration to obedience.

The Father God is also righteous, holy, and just.

Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!

Jeremiah warns that the Father’s patience has run its course, and now judgment is at hand. He foretells the imminent invasion of Judah, the conquest of Jerusalem, and the captivity of its inhabitants by Babylon. As Jeremiah conveys this message, his heart is heavy with sorrow, grieving deeply, and tears streaming down his face.

Jeremiah 13:17 If you still refuse to listen, I will weep alone because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears because the LORD’s flock will be led away into exile.

Lamentations 3:48 Tears stream from my eyes because of the destruction of my people!

One may assume that another opportunity would be granted or that fervent prayers could move the Father to reconsider. Ezekiel anticipated this question and answered it unequivocally.  Even if mighty champions of faith interceded on behalf of the people, the impending judgment would not be averted.

Ezekiel 14:14 Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves, says the Sovereign LORD.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little” (Edmund Burke).

Father, we live in troubled times. Most of us can do little but reveal what little we must do according to Your will.

INSIGHT

Warning after warning was issued, but nobody was listening.

Jeremiah 6:10 To whom can I give warning? Who will listen when I speak? Their ears are closed, and they cannot hear. They scorn the word of the LORD. They don’t want to listen at all.

It is easy to ask how they could be so stupid and dull. Are they guilty of disobedience and an unwillingness to follow the Father’s way? The answer is regrettably yes!

The Father asked them to do two things.

Jeremiah 6:16 “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”

They were to remember “the old ways,” that is, the Father’s truth as revealed in His Word. They were to “stand in the old ways” and “walk in the good way” (Wiersbe).

But their reply was, absolutely not!

Jeremiah 6:16 But you reply, “No, that’s not the road we want!”

They chose poorly.

Jeremiah 6:17-19

 17 I posted watchmen over you who said, ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’ But you replied, ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’

 18 “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations. Take note of my people’s situation.

 19 Listen, all the earth! I will bring disaster on my people. It is the fruit of their own schemes because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected my word.

But the children of Israel are a valuable object lesson for us. It is not intended to discourage us but rather to encourage us to do what is right and have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

Romans 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

The Father has called all His children to “stand in the old ways” and “walk in a good way.” Choosing His path will prove challenging because an unbelieving world may subject us to ridicule, mistreatment, and even more severe hardships. Nevertheless, the decision ultimately rests in our hands alone. It is a lonely path, but it is the right path. Therefore, choose wisely.

“Always remember, you cannot carry a cross in company. Though a man was surrounded by a vast crowd, his cross is his alone, and his carrying of it marks him as a man apart” (A. W. Tozer).

“Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever” (Thomas Jefferson).

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© Dr. H 2023

The patron saint of mediocrity ∙∙

The patron saint of mediocrity ∙∙

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for the light makes everything visible. – Ephesians 5:13-14

John 3:19-21

 19 God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.

 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.

 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

Einstein was able to discover and extract secrets from the Father’s intelligently designed, created universe. From within the intricately crafted cosmos, Einstein discerned and extracted concealed truth from the structured tapestry of the universe. Einstein propelled modern physics forward with quantum leaps powered by his extraordinary insights.

Albert Einstein possessed a profound connection to Mozart, greatly admiring the composer’s work. Einstein sensed that Mozart had discovered and extracted his music in a very similar fashion. “Mozart’s music is so pure and beautiful that I see it as a reflection of the inner beauty of the universe” (Einstein). Einstein suggested that, whereas Beethoven “created” his music, Mozart’s music “seemed to have been ever-present in the universe, waiting to be discovered by the master” (Einstein).

The ethereal beauty yet sublime simplicity of Mozart’s music is depicted in the 1984 film Amadeus. In the movie, Antonio Salieri is Mozart’s antagonist. Salieri was a man of modest musical talent. But he could recognize the magnificent, unmatched talent of Mozart. Salieri adored Mozart’s music but hated Mozart himself due to his seething envy and resentment.

Salieri glances at some of Mozart’s complete handwritten, original compositions. He recognizes the sublime genius and beauty of his music. The autographs were written in one sitting without edits or errors. Salieri exclaims, “Music, finished as no music is ever finished. Displace one note, and there would be diminishment. Displace one phrase, and the structure would fall.”

Under the guise of faux friendship, Salieri “assists” Mozart in writing the composer’s final work, the Requiem Mass in D minor. Salieri desperately desires to be the equal of Mozart in the composition of music but recognizes he could never be. He acknowledges his own mediocrity. Salieri dubs himself “The Patron Saint of Mediocrity.”

The Lord Jesus Christ perceives mediocrity as a manifestation of evil, albeit with a specific aspect in mind. His focus is not on mere lack of skill or capability, as individuals naturally possess varying degrees of proficiency across different areas. Every person has a continuum of skill sets. Some of their skills are excellent, others not so much. The mediocrity that Christ deems as evil encompasses a particular kind of inadequacy or insufficiency which individuals are fully aware of yet consciously choose to deny or disregard.

Rather than working to overcome their weaknesses and improve their skills, they hide their inadequacy and incompetence and put up a false face. The hallmark of this type of mediocrity is resentment. These folks resent the capability, skill, and talent of others that engender their success and achievement. In the presence of greatness, the mediocre experience internal tremors as they fear the potential exposure of their limitations. So, it was with the religious leaders at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 3:19-20

 19 God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.

 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius” (Arthur Conan Doyle).

Father the idea of living in paltry mediocrity should be appalling to the children of the King. Convict our hearts regarding this form of evil.

INSIGHT

Two different Greek words are translated as evil in John 3:19-20. In John 3:19, the Greek term translated as evil is poneros. The semantic domain of poneros covers a broad spectrum of evil. It has the connotation of being wicked, malicious, bad, harmful, morally wrong, corrupt, vicious, or degenerate.The English word pornography is derived from this term.

In John 3:20, the Greek term translated as evil is phaulos. Phaulos does not connote something which is overtly evil or wicked. But instead, it consists of something far more subtle yet insidious: paltry mediocrity. The English word paltry is derived from phaulos. It can be translated as mediocre, insignificant, meager, worthless, good–for–nothing, depraved, or base. That which is mediocre is relatively inferior in quality, ordinary, substandard, or inadequate.

The religious leaders avoided the light because they did not want their mediocrity revealed. They refused to consider or even recognize their own inadequacies. Perhaps they had become numb or blind to them. The Lord Jesus Christ called them blind guides. They were blindly leading the people astray.

Light exposes the thoughts and deeds of darkness. One tiny candlelight illumines the darkest darkness. The world hated the Lord Jesus Christ because He accused it of doing evil (John 7:7).

People living in darkness learn to love the darkness. That is all they know. When the true light of the world comes, they reject it. They avoid the piercing light of exposure and humiliation at all costs.

The Greek word translated as exposed is elegcho. Elegcho means to scrutinize or examine carefully, bring to light, convince, convince, or bring someone to the point of recognizing wrongdoing.

What differentiates the children of the King from those who are not? “The difference between the believer and the unbeliever does not lie in the guilt or innocence of either; it lies in the different attitudes they take toward the ‘light.’ The unbeliever shrinks from the light because it exposes his sin; the believer willingly comes to the light so that his real motives may be revealed” (Tenney, EBC).

When a light is turned on in a dark room where cockroaches are present, the roaches scurry into the darkness to hide from and avoid the light. The life, words, and actions of the Lord Jesus Christ are the light of the world. They expose the evil and mediocrity of people. Their darkened souls are unmasked and laid bare. They are threatened. It is very difficult to admit their limitations. It is hard for anyone to acknowledge and accept that others might outshine them.

The fallen world is enveloped in profound darkness. It is a very dark place. Darkness is a spiritual reality, a kingdom under the domination of the enemy of our souls. Within this realm, mediocrity and degenerate wickedness emerge as the two prevailing forces, propelling the shadows deeper and perpetuating the darkness surrounding us.

“The men who followed Him were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same” (Billy Graham).

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© Dr. H 2023

Seek the presence

Seek the presence

Throughout the days of Saul, we paid no regard to it. – 1 Chronicles 13:3

1 Chronicles 13:1-4

 1 David consulted with all his officials, including the generals and captains of his army.

 2 Then he addressed the entire assembly of Israel as follows: “If you approve and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send messages to all the Israelites throughout the land, including the priests and Levites in their towns and pasturelands. Let us invite them to come and join us.

 3 It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul.”

 4 The whole assembly agreed to this, for the people could see it was the right thing to do.

“The presence of the Lord” typically refers to the belief or experience of God’s spiritual presence. It can be a deeply personal and subjective experience, often accompanied by feelings of awe, reverence, peace, and spiritual connection.

In the Old Testament, the presence of the Lord is often associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where God’s presence dwelt in a unique way. Numerous passages in the Old Testament recount instances where God’s presence resided among the people of Israel in specific locations: Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-18), the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35), or the temple (2 Chronicles 6:1-2). The Ark of the Covenant was seen as a symbol of God’s presence among the Israelites.

God is omnipresent, that is, present everywhere. But believers may feel a heightened sense of the Father’s presence in special times or circumstances. For children of the King, the presence of the Lord is understood as the manifestation of God’s presence in their lives. It is experienced through prayer, worship, and moments of spiritual connection.

When people do not love God through their personal relationship with Him, they do not seek to be in His presence. What a sorry state of existence to live in. So it was with King Saul. Saul was appointed to be king of Israel. But Saul had no love for God. Saul had no desire to be with the Father. He did not seek to be in His presence. God didn’t matter and was insignificant to Saul. The bottom line is that he could not care less. He did not want to be close to God or, more importantly, to have God close to him.

The Father, on the other hand, loves to be close to children of the King. They are His family. They are His children, and He loves them forever. This is a tragic story of unrequited love.

Dutch Sheets captures the pathos of this incongruous situation. “What a sad epitaph for a leader: ‘The presence of God was not sought after during his reign.’ And what sad days those must have been for the Lord.”

Pause for a moment and imagine, visualize how God the Father felt. The most loving and wonderful personality in existence was rejected. He was unloved and unwanted. The agony, the grief He must have felt.

REFLECT & PRAY

It only takes one generation that knows not the God of the Bible to create a society that cares not for God at all. He is cast aside and placed on the garbage heap of history. Without the love of God, we can quickly become loveless, lawless, and cold.

Father thank You for loving me with mother-love that is unconditional and eternal. Embolden me to seek Your presence and experience Your love.

INSIGHT

The Scriptures use many metaphors to portray the relationship between God and those that believe in Him: shepherd and sheep, vine and branches, head and body, bride and bridegroom, husband and wife. But the most frequent and significant is Father and child. The Scriptures indeed emphasize the Fatherhood of God.

What is less well-known is that He is also pictured as a compassionate Mother. In the same way, a mother loves, comforts, and cares for her children, the eternal God watches over and is mindful of each child of the King in His Forever Family (Isaiah 66:13).

It is far too easy for people to say, “The Lord has forsaken me,” when they are despondent, isolated, or lonely.

But nothing could be further from the truth. “The Lord has an innate attachment to Zion, just like a mother does for her infant child. But even if mothers were to suddenly abandon their children, the Lord would never forsake Zion. In other words, the Lord’s attachment to Zion is like a mother’s attachment to her infant child, but even stronger” (The NET Bible notes).

A mother’s love is both unrestricted and lasting. The child does not have to earn or attain their mother’s love. Mother-love is unreserved love. It transcends the child’s personality, characteristics, or circumstances. A mother’s love is not earned or deserved; it is freely given because of who the child is, not what it does.

The Father God has wired mothers so that the love-bond between mother and child arises instantly. It often begins at the moment the mother knows she is pregnant. But it climaxes at the moment the child is born. Mothers have a strong built-in instinct to nurture and protect

Is it possible for a mother to neglect or mistreat her child? Regrettably, yes, sometimes the unthinkable can and does happen. But it is an aberration, not the norm. But our King would never do this! The Father reassures His people of His unwavering love by likening Himself to a compassionate mother. This analogy portrays Israel as a nursing child, utterly reliant on its mother. Just as a devoted, loving mother would never abandon or forsake her child, the Lord remains steadfast. He lavishes each child of the King with mother-love.

Isaiah 49:15-16

 15 Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!

 16 See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.

When the pathos, the tragedy of it all, is understood, who would not seek the presence of Father God and the unconditional, warm mother-love He offers?

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© Dr. H 2023

We need only ask ∙

We need only ask ∙

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. – Psalms 25:4

Psalms 143:4-11 

 4 I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.

 5 I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.

 6 I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

 7 Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.

 8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

 11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

Who has not gotten lost sometimes? Being lost and feeling helpless is a scary experience, no matter how old you are. However, knowing what to do when you get lost can have a major effect on whether the incident is empowering or traumatic. The best advice, particularly for children, is to have a safety plan. Your safety plan defines what to do if and when you get lost.

Children are advised to take the following steps when separated from the adults in their life.

1. STOP!

2. Stand tall and strong if it is safe to stay where you are. Otherwise, go to the nearest place that is safe.

3. Look around for your adults. Most of the time, when children think they are lost from their adults, they are actually close by. Take a minute to stop and look; you may find them again.

4. If you cannot see the adults you came with, yell out the names you use to call them.

5. If that doesn’t work, ask a woman with children for help. Statistically, a woman with children is least likely to harm a lost child (kidpower.org).

Feeling lost looks different for everyone. When David felt lost spiritually and emotionally, his spirit was overwhelmed. He experienced a sense of emptiness, panic, and even desolation. He appeals to the Father for help. David was a man after God’s heart. He models an excellent safety plan for the rest of us when we encounter similar dilemmas.

REFLECT & PRAY

May my repeated prayer be, teach me to do your will, for you are my God (Psalms 143:10).

Father I often have felt lost and separated from You. I know that that can never be. But being human, I feel that way anyway. Thank You are always there. I need only to ask.

INSIGHT

David’s core priority is to please the Father, to discover His will, and do it. It is not about self-fulfillment but instead about completing the Father’s plan for his life. He needs more than direction. He needs to be shepherded. He entrusts himself totally to the Father. And he desires that the Father will do work within him.

Psalms 143:4-6

 4 I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.

 5 I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.

 6 I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Amid these dire circumstances, David is paralyzed with fear and has lost all hope. But remarkably, his mind begins to drift towards thoughts of his heavenly Father. He recalls and ponders who the Father is and all He has done. He reminisces. Repeatedly the Father has saved the people of Israel from grave situations. David’s thinking is straightforward. His un-verbalized thoughts are, “Father if You have done it before, You can do it again.” In total dependence upon the Father’s character and essence, David boldly lifts his heart and soul to Him during his great distress. He is confident that the Father will intervene.

Psalms 143:7 Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.

David emphasizes how serious the situation is. His despondency and despair are escalating. He is about to drop off the cliff. He beseeches the Father, fearing that he might spiral down to death itself.

Psalms 143:8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

David totally entrusts himself to the Father. He places his life in His Father’s hands.

Psalms 143: 10-11

 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

 11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

David is very specific and earnestly seeks the Father’s guidance and deliverance.  However, his aspirations extend beyond mere deliverance. David yearns for wisdom and instruction in the Father’s ways. He asks that the Father graciously direct him to safety. More specifically, he asks that the good and gracious Spirit direct him on an uncomplicated path, free from obstacles and hardships. He asks the Father to save his life and bring him out of distress.

David’s appeals are not based upon his own inherent righteousness or goodness.  David identifies himself intimately with the Father, considering himself as the Father’s devoted servant. David recognizes that his mission is unfinished and seeks the Father’s guidance and assistance to fulfill it. Moreover, there is a profound identification between David and the Father, signifying their inseparable connection. The Father is also identified with David. The Father’s reputation is tied to the outcome.

David does not attempt to bargain with the Father. He has no leverage within himself. Instead, David approaches the Father with reverence. He appeals to the Father based on the Father’s character, nature, and personality. He declares in humble adoration, “You are my God.” 

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© Dr. H 2023