Our brother Sh’aul (the apostle Paul) endured many challenges and trials during his years of ministry; unspeakable, life-threatening things we cannot honestly imagine. Nevertheless, his letters are bathed liberally with refreshing splashes of praise and thanksgiving. Oh, that such a seemingly prevalent posture of gratitude was also ruling in my own life!
In one passage, Sh’aul states, “…for whatever circumstance I am in, I have learned to be content. I know what it is to live with humble means, and I know what it is to live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment – both to be filled and to go hungry, to have abundance and to suffer need. I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13, TLV)
How often have I allowed myself to entertain attitudes of discontentment, unhappiness, and even anger regarding the circumstances of my life?
More often than I would prefer to reveal. Probably more often than I could actually count.
After decades of walking with YHVH, am I still seriously capable of overlooking His watchful care – promises, protection, provision – in my life? I KNOW from experience that He is faithful, He is compassionate, He is merciful. He has truly never forsaken or abandoned me.
As Sh’aul has shared, life is inconsistent. Sometimes feast, sometimes famine. Sometimes light, sometimes darkness. Sometimes the mountaintop, sometimes the dark valley.
I repent of the moments of doubt and fear in which I have indulged. I lay them down. I put my mind on Him. The King of the universe is my refuge, my strength, my song (Psalm 46).
I have every reason to rejoice! I have every reason to shout His praises! I have every reason to be deeply grateful.
Thank you, Yehovah, for your enduring love and mercy.
Just a few verses before the passage quoted above, Sh’aul says this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise—dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, TLV)
Father, remind me to get my mind on the right things.
Ed Boring
Elder, BYNA
