Lately I have been thinking a lot about circumstances!
Has your mood ever been changed by your circumstances? I’m sure it has. For example, I was sad when Notts Forest lost out in the play-off’s for the Premiership, but not too much – it is only a game after all. But then I get excited thinking about Andrew getting married shortly.
Other events can impact us much more, such as a death or serious illness. And sometimes fairly small seemingly insignificant events can have consequences far more reaching than we imagine. Sadly many families have fallen out over small events, often lost in the mists of time, but they still don’t speak to each other. Wouldn’t it be lovely to be content whatever the circumstances.
The apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Philippians that he had learned to be content whatever the circumstances. He said, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
We cannot do anything about our feelings – they come and go with events around us and often change, but we can control how we react. The secret really is simple – allow Jesus Christ to give us the strength to do everything. Once we see things through his eyes, the eyes of eternity and love, we can be content and have inner peace. His Spirit gives us love and joy, peace and patience, kindness and goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control.
May we each learn the secret of being content and allow God’s Spirit to guide us each and every day.
Have a contented summer!
Adam