Quicksie 98.3

Contentment is not automatic, nor is it a natural attitude. Rather, it is a learned skill. So how can we find joy in any circumstances?

Paul expresses thanks to the Philippian believers with a reminder that he was not thankful because he was in need, rather he was showing them that he was humble and content. Paul could exist with or without earthly needs being met beyond basic essentials. In addition to living humbly, Paul focuses on the concept of contentment, regardless of his circumstances.

“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.” Philippians 4:11-12.

Paul’s variety of ministry experiences offered him times of plenty, as well as times of need. This allowed Paul to learn how to find joy, regardless of his circumstances.

Writing from Roman imprisonment, he was at a time of great need. Even so, Paul expresses joy and contentment. It’s important to recall that his imprisonment was not brief. He had been continually held for two years in Rome, in addition to multiple years in Palestine. Contentment was essential for Paul to find joy in his circumstances.

God desires us to be content and not worry in any circumstances. You are precious and valuable to our creator.

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26

Try to find joy and peace in even the toughest times.
I pray this prayer on you from Numbers 6:24-26

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gratious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

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God’s grace isn’t earned, and we can’t wait idly to experience it. We need to engage in means of grace as a way to renew our relationship with the Lord. Means of grace are sacraments, special, holy moments when we are closest to the presence of God. Jesus gave us examples of these sacraments in scripture. 

Two examples of these sacraments include baptism and holy communion. 

Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual work of grace. Baptis marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. John the baptizer made it clear when he said, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming. …….. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8)

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said, “Go . . . make disciples . . . baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism “is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him” (Acts 2:38-39).

Baptism is a public confession of our faith and marks our new identity in Christ.

Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion during his last supper with his disciples, and he commanded them to continue sharing the bread and cup of the new covenant in remembrance of him (Luke 22:19-20).

And Jesus said to his disciples, “This [bread] is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). “Then he took a cup, and after giving

thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you’” (Matt. 26:27).

When we come to the Lord’s Table, we come to the banquet table of God.

In addition to these sacraments, there are many other means of grace we can describe as sacred moments such as prayer, worship, or marriage. 

Regardless of what sacraments you practice or believe in, these are holy moments that we get to share with God, our creator. In the words of John Wesley, “We may not all believe alike, but we can all love alike.” Love first because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 2:14 — 5.1MB)

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