’Tis the season to be…stressed? Agitated? Discontent? We’re almost to Thanksgiving day, and then the countdown to Christmas will begin. Are you frazzled? Take a deep breath, and let’s see what can be done about that!
We’ve discussed discontentment and some reasons for it, as well as different ways to ward off the beast. We have discovered from the Apostle Paul that contentment is learned and can be practiced until it is a habit. This week we’ll delve a bit further into Paul’s letter to the Philippians:
“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Philippians 4:12 NASB
When Paul speaks of learning a secret, he is saying he has been instructed and initiated into mysteries he had not known before. Who is instructing Paul?
Jesus. How can that be, since Christ had already ascended to heaven? Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 that he was “caught up to the third heaven…I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.”
And he also says this in the following verses:
Galatians 1:12 (NLT) “I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (NASB) “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.”
The word “appeared” in the original Greek conveys the idea of someone gazing with wide open eyes and looking at something remarkable.
Do you long to be there? Sitting at the feet of Jesus? Gazing into His eyes, and listening to Him teach? Learning how to be content in all situations? Learning the deep things of Christ? It’s possible, you know.
As followers of Jesus, we have Christ in us (Galatians 2:20 link). We also have His Holy Spirit who will teach us and help us remember (John 14:26 link). The deep secrets of God will be revealed to us by His Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10), we just need to open our hearts and listen to Him speak.
Until next week,
Father, Close my mouth and open my heart to hear Your words, the deep secrets from scripture. I pray that my contentment comes from You and You alone. In Jesus name, Amen.
“But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.” 1 Corinthians 2:10 NLT
Linking up today with Holly Gerth, Holly Barrett, Equipping Godly Women and Counting My Blessings.
We’re studying Philippians at a Bible study I go to on Thursday nights. This is so good, Ellen, a great antidote to the frazzled stress of the season. I’m hoping to be like Mary this week and take plenty of time to sit at Jesus’ feet, even though Thanksgiving (and my party of 20 people) is just around the corner! Blessings on your week.
OH, me too Betsy! I need to practice what I preach! We will have about 15-20 on Thursday…YIKES! Praying for a calm and peaceful Thanksgiving for you and yours!
Ahhh, sitting at Jesus’ feet and being taught by the Master. I’m still learning how to identify my “best yes”. Gettin better though friend.
Yep, I’m preaching to myself with this series!! Like you, still learning. Thanks for stopping by!