“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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:11b-13, NIV)
Don’t think these are empty words. These are coming from the guy who was commonly imprisoned, threatened, flogged, or beaten. If he can be content in those circumstances, we can be content in ours. I want to emphasize two conclusions in the passage. The first is that our God is greater than what we’re facing. He will enable us to face our trials, and will, with his peace, “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7b, NIV.) Think of the last guard you’ve seen. They’re tough and unyielding, right? Likewise, God is just as unyielding when dealing with our anxieties and worries. We must present these before Him and put them in His hands. “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (Ps. 91:4 ESV.)
The second conclusion from Paul's contentment is that it’s not purely reliant on circumstances! Wouldn’t it be great if we could be happy even in the worst of circumstances? Paul demonstrates that it’s possible. Instead, we dismiss this as an option and instead are unhappy in the best of circumstances. The solution, then, is not to somehow manage our circumstances. Managing our circumstances often feels like the natural thing to do, but this can be impossible or a never-ending effort for perfection. Reaching for the grass on the other side will eventually prove useless. Instead, the solution is not managing circumstances, it’s managing our attitudes. Only our attitudes are within our control. This is actually great news! We can refocus our mental energies to where it actually makes the biggest difference. This won’t be easy. It will be the most important, the most difficult, and the most rewarding thing of your life.
Instead, the solution is not managing circumstances, it’s managing our attitudes. Only our attitudes are within our control.
We’ve covered the why and what of positivity, next, we move on to the how.
Lesson: Today, as you find yourself stressed out, ask God for peace. He wants to guard you. Secondly, look for the positive people in difficult situations and try to imitate that attitude. It is possible!
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