November 26, 2019
Dear Beloved,
“
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…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
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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.
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I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11–13
(NIV)
As the Holiday Season approaches, we prepare for some time for celebration and reflection. This week, whether we have plans to be with family or friends we are encouraged to live with an “Attitude of Gratitude” in our hearts. Thankfulness is an attitude as well a life perspective.
Being thankful or grateful comes out of a perspective of appreciation for what you have. Paul describes this in his letter to the church in Philippi,
“learned the secret of being content in any and every situation."
Interestingly enough, being grateful in having much can only come from the understanding of being without and being grateful in the “hunger and want” is only out of true contentment inside us.
Our contentment is a belief system that has confidence in the truth that our joy and peace can only come within us as a direct result of Christ’s work in our lives. Dis-contentment is a result of greed and feeling like we never have enough; resulting in no rest as we are always striving to achieve and accumulate.
It’s important that we take time with the Thanksgiving Celebration this year to reflect on God’s faithfulness in our lives and to take time for Sabbot or Rest. My prayer for you this year is that you will discover true rest:
- Becoming content in your relationship with God as you recognize His unmerited grace and devotion to you. Living as His “Beloved” and remembering you are the “apple of His eye”
- Being content in your relationship with yourself not because you are perfect but rather trusting that you are being perfected in His time and plan.
- Being content in your relationship with others in your life. Not striving to “one up” or “out do” them but simply enjoying who they are and being able to be an encouragement to them.
- Being content in what you have in your life, recognizing your stuff and circumstances cannot dictate the altitude of your attitude.
- Being content in the season you are in right now with your work and obligations. Giving them to the Lord, allowing Him to do the vindication and experiencing His favor in all circumstances.
May you have a blessed Thanksgiving, however and wherever you celebrate it. Remember no matter how difficult or great this last year has been for you…you are still here, which means He is faithful and has brought you through it. Happy Thanksgiving!
Have a blessed week!
Pastor Eric
