Content with Circumstances
Philippians 4:6-9 (ESV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
All of us have dealt with unfortunate circumstances in our life. Whether it’s getting ill, losing a job or your child doesn’t make the sports team. Our perspective is challenged when we are confronted with the unplanned and unimaginable. In an instant, we are forced to make choices regarding the path we will take and the perspective that will guide us. If we want to experience contentment in the face of our trials, we need to do our part and let God do His part.
We need to start with our own mentality. What are we spending our time thinking about? Are we trusting in ourselves or in God? In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”
Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Instead of worrying, pray to God with a thankful heart. Paul clearly says that we shouldn’t worry, but pray about everything. Yet, for most of us, we worry first and maybe pray at some point in the process.
God wants us to think of His perspective first. He wants us to put aside our own wishes or opinions and trust His perspective. He wants us to pray with thanksgiving, remembering what God has already done in our lives and the prayers He has answered in the past. Doing this will change our fearful hearts into hearts full of hope.
God has a part in our time of trials. When we turn to God in our time of struggle, He promises to be there and to grant us peace. As we choose to submit to Him, He will give us what we need to get through the challenge and the confidence that the God of the universe is on our side. In Philippians 4:7 it says, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” It’s one thing to know that we shouldn’t worry, but how do we actually accomplish that? When life gives us a trial, how do we turn our worries over to God and live in His peace?
This week, get your thoughts in order as it states in Philippians 4:8. Stop whatever you are doing and pray. Memorize scripture. Remember the things God has already done in your life for which you are thankful. Choose to focus your thoughts on positive things.