“I know when I am in need. I know when I have plenty. I have learned to be content in any situation. And the reason I know this, I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” —Paraphrase of Philippians 4, especially verses 11-13.
I had a person ask me one time, “Why are you such a positive person? Why do you always view the glass as being half full instead of half empty?”
My younger years in college were very formative and set me on the path I am on today. My dad gave me a book written by Arthur Pink, which was his views on the book of Philippians. Several verses in Chapter 4 of Philippians were imprinted on my mind, and became guide marks for my life. Verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Verse 6: “Do not be anxious about anything”. Verse 7: “..the peace of God, will guard your hearts.” Especially verses 11-13: “I have learned the secret of being content, God is capable of doing anything.”
It is so easy to get mesmerized by all the negativity in the world. Negative press, negative politicians, negative television, rising crime, and changing gender identifications, can cause us to dwell on the bad things we see in the world. I have heard some say, “I am glad I am at the end of my life”, or “Take me to Heaven now”, or such things as “I fear for my grandchildren and what they have to grow up living in”. We as Christians need to rise above this “faithless chatter.” We need to live in the realm of what God can do, of what God is doing, and what God will miraculously bring forth in these challenging times. Paul, the writer of Philippians says it well, I will be content for I have a God in Heaven who is in charge and working things out in His time. I know He can do all things! Philippians 4:11-12
DECLARATION: Despite the negativity we see, the Kingdom of Heaven is coming to earth, and I believe the best is yet to come, “on earth as it is in Heaven.” I believe the good is happening now. It is here!
Devotional contributor: Allan Thrush
Christ Community Church 