I have learned yet more about my body recently. I'd started to let stuff get to me the other day, so Tuesday night I asked Bruce to take over the cooking for me for a few days at least. I could tell that I needed to really concentrate on resting in order to prevent a bad flare up from the RA/Sjögren's. Well, I was a day late and a dollar short as the saying goes. By the time I woke up yesterday it had hit with a vengeance. Of course that made me feel even more down and the worse I felt mentally/emotionally, the worse the pain got. It was like I was getting a crash course on seeing exactly how my body reacted to stress and my emotions. So I spent a lot of time with the Lord and that calmed me down, but the damage was already done. I'll have to just deal with this flare up, but I've learned a lot from what the Lord showed me concerning it.
I now know for absolute sure that the only chance I have of preventing the pain and being comfortable, is if I keep myself totally stress free. This is going to be a very interesting experiment for the next few months because although we can control our reactions and emotions, we can't control what happens to us. What the Lord showed me was that both can cause the flare ups and or just extra pain. We can't change it when we or a loved one has money problems, gets sick or dies, loses their job, or what the government does, etc. The only thing we can control is how we react to them, our emotions and feelings. I was thinking that since we can't control what happens, and that by itself is stress, then it was a lost cause, but I realize now that it's really not!
If I can really do what Paul did, (be content in any circumstances) and be strong enough in my faith, then I'll no longer have to even consider how I respond to events in my life. Before, I always looked at it as though the circumstance happened, Paul saw it and dealt with it by being content. But that's not it, that's only half of it. Paul's saying he's already content and he stays content even when the "event" happens. So while I was being content, then interrupted by the event and then going back to being content, I was opening myself up to these flare ups. See what I mean? The problem was/is that although I know that God is sovereign, that He loves me and that all will work out for my good, there's always a part of me that has reacted to "bad" things by thinking, "yeah, but I don't like what He's allowing to happen." With the next thoughts generally being along the lines of "is He mad at me, have I done something wrong, etc.". All of which I know is bologna, and although they're no longer generally conscious thoughts, I can tell they're still there subconsciously. That tells me that somewhere deep inside, I'm doubting His love and goodness.
Taking my thoughts and feelings afterward is certainly the scriptural remedy, but it looks like the Lord is taking me beyond that now and wants me to get down to the root of it all. He's asking me to really trust Him - with ALL my heart, mind, and strength, and not just part of it. 95% isn't enough. It's got to be 100%.
When I can do that, then life will be like it was when I was a small child. I didn't worry about if the lights would turn on when I flicked a switch, or if there's be something to eat when I was hungry, or if my parents would be there tomorrow, or how I would get to grandma's house that week. I knew my parents had it all under control and it simply never occurred to me to worry about anything. Well, unless it was a selfish thing like which flavor of ice cream we had. I knew the ice cream would be there, but would it be the kind I wanted that day? 
I wish I could say I didn't have that problem anymore, but I do, so that's another thing I'll have to continue to work on too. But, back then, if the lights didn't come on, I figured my parents planned it that way and it was a great adventure, a new game. I didn't see it as a bad thing. I knew everything would be fine no matter what happened.
Of course as I grew up, I learned differently, that my parents weren't in control of everything and bad things did happen. We all learn that. That's the part I have to overcome now though, and go back to being that simple little child that totally trusts my Daddy. Nothing "bad" is going to happen to me, because He simply won't allow it to. Therefore, anything that does happen, isn't really bad, regardless of what it looks like to the world. Kind of a combination of living by faith and not by sight, and being like a little child. When I can really do that, then nothing will be able to shake me. Of course I can't possibly do it on my own, so I'll have to ask the Lord to help me. Thankfully, as He said, His strength is made perfect in my weakness, so I know that together we can pull it off!
2 Corinthians 5:7–8 —We live by faith, not by sight. *We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. *
2 Corinthians 12:9 —But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. *
Mark 10:15 —I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” *
Matthew 19:14 —Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” *
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My reflection on Psalm 23
Psalm 23:1–6 —The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. *He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, *he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. *Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. *You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. *Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. *
The Lord is my Shepherd, (That's relationship!)
The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, “my.” He does not say, “The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock.” If He is a shepherd to no one else, He is a shepherd to me. He cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. Whatever be the believer’s position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. Amazing grace
"The Lord is my shepherd...what's the next line?...I shall not want." Is that your testimony? Is that the testimony of your heart? The Lord is my shepherd, I have no needs, I have enough. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Christian people really gave that kind of testimony to the watching world? That we had found in our God and in the salvation that He provides and in the spiritual resources at our disposal total satisfaction, that we were absolutely content. A satisfied heart should be the experience of every single Christian. And contentment is a spiritual virtue and discontent is a sin. We should be content, we should be satisfied, we should be saying I have enough, nothing more is needed, nothing more is desired. Seven Keys to Contented Living
True religion resides in being able to say with David:‘The Lord is my shepherd.’ It is a matter of that personal pronoun ‘my’—saying to God ‘my Lord’ and having the assurance that he says in return ‘my child’. Opening up Psalms
I shall not want, (That's supply!)
The imagery is that of the shepherd leading his sheep. The initiative is with the shepherd. He is the one who determines the watering places and guides the flock as he thinks best. As our shepherd, God has committed Himself to guiding us in the ways that He knows to be best for us. God sovereignly guides our lives, so that we do indeed live out in our daily experiences all the days ordained for us. We think so much about our responsibility to discover God’s will in a situation or to make wise decisions in life’s choices, but the biblical emphasis seems to be on God’s guiding us. Trusting God
How astonishing it is to find the words ‘Lord’ & ‘shepherd’ in such proximity! David is asserting that the Sovereign Ruler of the universe has taken up the menial task of shepherding him! We could not dare believe this if the Lord himself had not revealed himself in this way Gen. 49:24. Christians cannot read David’s words without having their thoughts immediately rise to these words from the Lord Jesus Christ: ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep’ John 10:11.Through his redeeming death on the cross, Christ purchased his sheep. The wrath of God was hurtling towards them & Jesus stepped between them & the wrath & absorbed it on their behalf. Having purchased his sheep on the cross, the Lord Jesus now lovingly tends them along the lines described in this psalm. Opening up Psalms
He makes me lie down in green pastures (That's Rest!)
The imagery of the shepherd and sheep in this poem reflects our total dependence on God. A shepherd’s chief concern is to do everything to insure the well-being of his flock. The emphasis of this psalm is trust in God to meet our needs (see Phil. 4:19). As the Good Shepherd, God provides for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being (see John 10:7–18). He provides refreshment in the difficult experiences of life. His “rod” and “staff” lovingly guide, protect, and discipline His sheep. God’s “mercy” describes His steadfast love. Woman's study Bible
“I shall not want” for: rest and refreshment. Wiersbe's
God’s people of every generation do not lack: FOOD
They do not lack food because they are made to lie down in green pastures. This has to do with finding rest in the Word of God. The ‘green pastures’ represent food to the sheep. The lying down represents leisure or time. By the grace of the Lord, then, his people spend time meditating on the food which he has prepared for them, which is the Word of God.Opening up Psalms.
As a shepherd leads sheep to fresh grass for feeding, so the Lord leads His people. One who follows the Lord does not lack any spiritual nourishment. Food for the soul is the Word of God. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
He leads me beside still waters (That's Refreshment!)
guidance; What I want to do is draw our attention to God’s initiative and God’s faithfulness in guiding us, so that we do fulfill the plan He has ordained for us. We think so much about our responsibility to discover God’s will in a situation or to make wise decisions in life’s choices, but the biblical emphasis seems to be on God’s guiding us. Trusting God
Jehovah-Shalom, “The Lord our peace” (Jud. 6:24);
Still waters denotes the calm water necessary for sheep to drink. Believer's Study Bible
He restores my soul (That's healing!)
All God’s people have been given rest from the guilt of sin and the fear of condemnation through the redeeming work of Christ. They are God’s people by virtue of that. But they still need rest from hunger, from annoying parasites and from conflict. We find these as we look to the green pastures in the Word of God. We are either grazing in those pastures or we are straying from our shepherd. Opening up Psalms.
Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord will heal or restore” (Ex. 15:26);
A second blessing that comes from the Lord’s leading is spiritual restoration. As a shepherd leads his sheep to placid waters for rest and cleansing, so the Lord restores or refreshes the soul. Here the spiritual lesson is clear: the Lord provides forgiveness and peace for those who follow Him. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
“I shall not want” for: restoration and righteousness. Wiersbe's
He leads me in the paths of righteousness (That's Guidance!)
Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The Lord our righteousness,” (Jer. 23:6);
DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE They do not lack direction and guidance because they are led in paths of righteousness. Christians often vex themselves with the question of whether they are ‘finding the Lord’s will’ for their lives. What consolation we have in this part of the Lord’s shepherdly care! The Lord has promised to lead his people. We should not concern ourselves so much, then, with finding the Lord’s will as with walking close to the Lord. Our problem is not really one of guidance, it is one of closeness to God. It is important to notice that the Lord always leads his people in ‘paths of righteousness’, that is, in conformity with what God has revealed in his Word. This verse will not allow us to claim the Lord’s leadership for any action that is opposed to the Word of God. Opening up Psalms.
The third blessing that comes from the Lord’s leading is guidance in the right way (paths of righteousness). A good shepherd knows the right paths on which to bring the sheep home safely. So too the Lord loses none of His sheep, but guides them in the right way. The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
For His name sake (That's purpose!)
“I shall not want” for: purpose. Wiersbe's
The fact that the Lord leads his people ‘For his name’s sake’ means that he guides them according to all that his name represents. His guidance is, then, in keeping with his holiness, his love, his faithfulness, his wisdom and all that he has revealed himself to be. Opening up Psalms.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of death (That's testing!)
testing, trials; It's only the "shadow of death" not the valley of death!
The sheep never need worry when they follow the shepherd, for he will protect them and provide for them. Even when they go through a dangerous valley (v. 4), the shepherd is beside them, and beyond the valley is the house of rest. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines
I will fear no evil (That's protection!)
“I shall not want” for: protection in trouble. Wiersbe's
Believers are never in situations the Lord is not aware of, for He never leaves or forsakes His people (cf. Heb. 13:5). Bible Knowledge Commentary
But how is it that we do not fear evil? Previously, the psalmist referred to God as he; now he refers to Him with a more intimate thou. For thou art with me. The intimacy of the statement The LORD is my shepherd is now seen in his direct address to the God of heaven. When we come to know God personally through His Son Jesus Christ, the death barrier is shattered. All who have trusted in Christ as Saviour are not only free from want, but have freedom from the fear of death as well. KJV Bible Commentary.
For Thou art with me (That's faithfulness!)
faithfulness; Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord is there,” (Ezek. 48:35);
“I shall not want” for: companionship, fellowship.
Many a shepherd interposed himself between wild beasts and his sheep, and at night the shepherd lay down and slept in the single doorway to his sheepfold. Any enemy would have to pass him to attack his flock. How marvelous then for us whom Scripture sees as sheep that God presents Himself as our shepherd. He leads us, protects us, and because He is always with us, we fear no evil. The Bible reader’s companion
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (That's Discipline!)
He provides refreshment in the difficult experiences of life. His “rod” and “staff” lovingly guide, protect, and discipline His sheep. God’s “mercy” describes His steadfast love. Woman's study Bible
protection, direction and guidance; support; one of the elect;
Where rod and staff respectively are used figuratively of divine protection and guidance; cf. Mi. 7:14). A support carried by shepherds; Passing under a rod or staff was a shepherd’s way of counting his sheep. New Bible dictionary
The rod and staff in verse 4 represent God’s defense and guidance. The rod or club was used to drive off wild animals and enemies. The staff was used to give guidance to the flock and to lift them back on the pathway when they fell. The rod and staff in the hands of God comfort or give assurance to the psalmist. The teacher's Bible commentary
comfort, nacham; Strong’s #5162: To comfort, console, extend compassion, sigh with one who is grieving; to repent. Nacham originally may have meant “to breathe intensely because of deep emotion.” In some references, the word is translated “repent,” the idea being that regret causes deep sighing. In its sense of comfort, nacham does not describe casual sympathy, but rather deep empathy. It is like “weeping with those who weep,” or actually “sighing with those who sigh.” Spirit filled life study Bible.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies (That's hope!)
hope; provision; “The Lord our banner” (Ex. 17:8–15);
This symbolizes God’s protective care over His children in the midst of a wicked and antagonistic world (cf. Phil. 2:15). Believer's Study Bible.
“I shall not want” for: provision in the wilderness. Wiersbe's
As the Host, God has made complete provision for our every need. in the presence of my enemies: The sheep/Shepherd imagery cannot convey all that needs to be said about God’s grace and mercy to His people. The Near Eastern host who would lay down his life for the guest adds the deeper dimension. The Open Bible
Thou annointest my head with oil (That's Consecration!)
blessing; Anointing was a means of investing someone with power, to signify divine sanctification and approval; also signifies the consecration of someone or something for a holy purpose. Harper's Bible dictionary
The anointed head and the overflowing cup symbolize the abundance of God’s care (v. 5). The teacher's Bible commentary.
It was customary in those days to receive a guest by anointing him with fragrant perfume and with a cup filled with a choice wine. In this way, the host indicated that nothing was to be considered too good for his guest. Opening up Psalms.
My cup runneth over (That's Abundance!)
cup (which represents abundance)—are prepared for the child of God, who may feast in spite of his enemies, confident that this favor will ever attend him. Commentary Critical and Explanatory
abundance; supply;
David declares that God’s care surpasses even this. His head had been anointed, and his cup was overflowing. Opening up Psalms.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (That's Blessing!)
love, mercy, goodness, caring; So certain is the psalmist that these twin graces will follow him that he begins his summary statement with a heavenly “verily” or surely. Goodness and mercy will not simply follow, but will pursue him. The verb used here is used elsewhere in a predominantly hostile sense. That it is given a benevolent sense here makes its usage even more striking. These graces actively seek us out when we walk with the Good Shepherd. They are present with us in times of feasting, as well as times of fasting all the days of my life. KJV Bible Commentary.
Mercy (Hebrew chesed ) is the unfailing, steadfast covenant love of God. This lovingkindness is similar to the NT word “grace” (John 1:16, 17). Spirit filled life study Bible.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord (That's Security!)
“I shall not want” for: a home to go to at the end of the day. Wiersbe's
The house of the LORD does not indicate a temple or church, but rather communion with God. The fact that we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever indicates sonship, for a servant never abides in the house. As a child of God who walks in the path of the Good Shepherd, I am always at home with God. This is the fifth of the five freedoms: freedom from desertion. The Shepherd has promised me, “… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5); and whether through the green pastures, the still waters, through the valley of death, or in the presence of mine enemies, I know He is always there. KJV Bible Commentary.
Forever (That's Eternity!)
ETERNITY — infinite or unlimited time; time without beginning or end. Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary.
In Scripture eternity is not an abstraction but limitless time, over which God is totally sovereign. Dictionary of Bible Themes
Eternity—time without end. Nelson's
Face it, the Lord is crazy about you!
Conclusion:
Jehovah is with (v. 1) under (v. 2) beside (v. 2) after (v. 6) before (v. 5) and ahead of (v. 6) all His trusting children.
They shall not want for food (v. 2) drink (v. 2) strength (v. 3) guidance (v. 3) comfort (v. 4) satisfaction (v. 5) or life (v. 6).
Striking Facts: The shepherd psalm follows the psalm of the cross. We must by experience know the value of the blood shed on Calvary’s cross and see the sword awakened against the Shepherd before we can truly know the sweetness of the Good Shepherd’s care. Summarized Bible:
“I shall not want” is the theme of Ps. 23. Hebrews 13:20–21 informs us that today Jesus is the Great Shepherd who cares for the sheep. We are His sheep, and as we follow Him He ministers to us. Christ did not simply die for us; He rose again and lives for us. He is the Great Shepherd, the Great High Priest.
Each of the OT names for God is seen in this psalm: Jehovah-Jireh, “The Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:13–14); Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord will heal or restore”(Ex. 15:26); Jehovah-Shalom, “The Lord our peace”(Jud. 6:24); Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The Lord our righteousness,”(Jer. 23:6); Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord is there,” (Ezek. 48:35); Jehovah-Nissi, “The Lord our banner” (Ex. 17:8–15); and Jehovah-Raah, “The Lord my shepherd” (Ps. 23:1). In other words, Jesus Christ is to His sheep all that they ever need. As the little child said when misquoting this psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd—what more shall I want?” Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament
If you can say, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” you can also say, “I shall not want.” With the Word Bible Commentary
Hebrews 13:20–21 —May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, *equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. *
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So many of us are going through such difficult times, including me, so I thought maybe I'd share what I'd studied about the following verses with everyone by sharing what Wiersbe says about it and the notes I've written on them. I'll also include some other encouraging scriptures at the end.
Philippians 4:11–13 —I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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 everything through him who gives me strength. *
As he wrote Phil 4:11–12, every movement of his hand clanked the chain with which he was linked to a soldier. The pillars of Christian character
Paul is quick to let his friends know that he is not complaining! His happiness does not depend on circumstances or things; his joy comes from something deeper, something apart from either poverty or prosperity. Most of us have learned how to “be abased,” because when difficulties come we immediately run to the Lord! But few have learned how “to abound.” Prosperity has done more damage to believers than has adversity. “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17).
The word “instructed” in Philippians 4:12 is not the same as “learned” in Philippians 4:11. “Instructed” means “initiated into the secret.” This word was used by the pagan religions with reference to their “inner secrets.” Through trial and testing, Paul was “initiated” into the wonderful secret of contentment in spite of poverty or prosperity. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). It was the power of Christ within him that gave him spiritual contentment.
Fog had moved into O’Hare Field, the airport that serves Chicago, and my departure had been delayed. I was sitting in the terminal reading a book and quietly asking God to work out His plans for the trip. Near me was a gentleman waiting for the same plane, but he was pacing up and down like a caged lion, and the language he was using to describe the fog was making the atmosphere more dense! I thought to myself, “Here is a man without any inner resources.” Later, he asked me how I could be so calm when the planes were all late, and I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with him.
While flying back to Chicago from upper New York via New York City, we had to stay in our holding pattern over Kennedy Airport for more than an hour. When the stewardess announced that we would be landing an hour late, a man across the aisle shouted, “Bring out the booze!” This was his only resource when things were going against him.
All of nature depends on hidden resources. The great trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. Rivers have their sources in the snow-capped mountains. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw on the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life (see Phil. 1:6, 21; 2:12–13; 3:10). “I can—through Christ!” was Paul’s motto, and it can be our motto too.
“I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me,” is the way J.B. Phillips translates Philippians 4:13. The Living Bible puts it this way: “I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” No matter which translation you prefer, they all say the same thing: the Christian has all the power within that he needs to be adequate for the demands of life. We need only release this power by faith.
Jesus teaches this same lesson in the sermon on the vine and branches in John 15. He is the Vine; we are the branches. A branch is good only for bearing fruit; otherwise you may as well burn it. The branch does not bear fruit through its own self-effort, but by drawing on the life of the Vine. “Without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). As the believer maintains his communion with Christ, the power of God is there to see him through. “I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency” (Phil. 4:13, AMP).
The overruling providence of God and the unfailing power of God are two spiritual resources on which we can draw that we might be adequate for the tasks of life. But there is a third resource-The Unchanging Promise of God (Phil. 4:14–20).
Contentment comes from adequate resources. Our resources are the providence of God, the power of God, and the promises of God. These resources made Paul sufficient for every demand of life, and they can make us sufficient too. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Php 4:11–13).
These words show us that contentment isn't a natural propensity of man. Covetousness, discontent, & murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil. We need not sow thistles & brambles; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth: & so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education. But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. Paul says, “I have learned … to be content;” as much as to say, he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain to the mystery of that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned, & then broke down. Don't indulge the notion that you can be contented with learning, or learn without discipline. It's not a power that may be exercised naturally, but a science to be acquired gradually. We know this from experience. Hush that murmur, natural though it be, (take that thought captive!) & continue a diligent pupil in the College of Content. Morning and evening
Discontent & ingratitude will steal your joy. True joy is God’s gift to every believer, & yet many Christians seem to lack it. As with peace, assurance, & other benefits of salvation, joy can be forfeited for many reasons. Willful sin, prayerlessness, fear, self-centeredness, focusing on circumstances, & lack of forgiveness are the main culprits. Two of the most common joy-thieves are dissatisfaction & ingratitude. Paul made no demands on God but simply trusted in His gracious provision. Whether he received little or much made no difference to him. In either case he was satisfied & thankful. Don’t be victimized by the spirit of our age. See God’s blessings for what they are, & continually praise Him for His goodness. In doing so you will guard your heart from dissatisfaction & ingratitude. More important, you will bring joy to the One who is worthy of all praise. Drawing Near—
The words I have learned the secret was a technical term meaning “to initiate into the mysteries.” Paul used it here to suggest a kind of initiation by his experiences into being content when either well fed or hungry, & either in plenty or in want. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Existentialism, the dominant mindset of contemporary psychology implies that every man has the right to do whatever makes him feel good. Wrong thinking like that stems from self–centered pride. Some deceive themselves by thinking their sin doesn’t hurt anyone, but sin always ends up hurting. In contrast to self–love, Scripture says we’re to be humble & unselfish, love those who mistreat us, & extend mercy toward those who stumble repeatedly. Those qualities enabled Paul to be content in any circumstances. In contrast, some take all that they hear & see & filter it to see if it wounds them in any way, which will result in instability & anxiety. When others mistreat you, humility will help you keep your balance. Truth for today
"The Lord's my shepherd...I shall not want." Is that the testimony of your heart? The Lord's my shepherd, I have no needs, I have enough. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Christian people really gave that kind of testimony to the watching world? That we'd found in our God & in the salvation that He provides & in the spiritual resources at our disposal total satisfaction, that we were absolutely content. A satisfied heart should be the experience of every single Christian. Contentment is a spiritual virtue & discontent is a sin. Instead of manifesting to the world satisfaction & contentment that shows our true trust in God & our true heavenly perspective, we get all caught up in the materialistic surge of our society. 7 Keys to Contented Living
“My self–sufficiency, my level of contentment, lies in the sufficiency of Christ to meet my every need. I can endure rain or shine, darkness or light, sorrow or joy, because through Him, I am equipped and sustained.” Despite circumstances, you can enjoy true contentment when you accept the truth that Christ is adequate for your every need—in good times and bad. Help me be content despite the circumstances of my life. O God, my sufficiency is in Your ability to meet my needs. In You, I am equipped to face the challenges of this day. Enter His gates
The word content does not mean “complacent.” Paul was anything but complacent! Contentment is actually containment—having the spiritual resources within to face life courageously & handle it successfully. Contentment is divine adequacy. Contentment is having that spiritual artesian well within so that you don’t have to run to the broken cisterns of the world to get what you need. The power of Christ in the inner man is all we need for the demands of life. Resources on the outside, such as friends, counselors & encouragements, are only helpful as they strengthen our resources on the inside.
We fight change & rob ourselves of the contentment God can give us if we'll but yield to Him. Those difficulties that you're fighting, & complaining about, may be the very tools God wants to use to give you inner peace & sufficiency. Stop fighting; yield to Christ & you'll learn how to be content. Paul knew that real joy doesn't come from comfortable circumstances on the outside, but from spiritual adequacy on the inside. How does this inner contentment reveal itself? We have a peace that keeps us from falling apart & doing impulsive things; a patience that sustains us when all around us seems to be disintegrating. There's an inner peace & poise that makes us master of the situation—victors, not victims. The bumps are what you climb on.
Apart from Him we can do nothing. While we're abiding in Him nothing's impossible. The 1 purpose of our life should be to remain in living & intense union with Christ, guarding against everything that would break it, employing every means of cementing & enlarging it.. In proportion as we do so, we'll find His strength flowing into us for every possible emergency. We may not feel its presence; but we'll find it present whenever we begin to draw on it. There's no temptation we can't master; no privation we can't patiently bear; no difficulty we can't cope with; no work we can't perform; no confession or testimony we can't make, if our souls are living in healthy union with Christ; for as our day or hour, so shall our strength be. Thoughts for the quiet hour
He will not impose upon you one needless burden. He will not exact more than He knows your strength will bear. He will ask no Peter to come to Him on the water, unless He impart at the same time strength and support on the unstable waves. He will not ask you to draw water if the well is too deep, or to withdraw the stone if too heavy. But neither at the same time will He admit as an impossibility that which, as a free and responsible agent, it is in your power to avert. He will not regard as your misfortune what is your crime. Macduff Thoughts for the quiet hour.
The Gr. word for strengthen means “to put power in.” Because believers are in Christ (Gal 2:20), He infuses them with His strength to sustain them until they receive some provision (Eph 3:16–20; 2Co 12:10). The MacArthur study Bible
Ephesians 3:14–21 —For this reason I kneel before the Father, *from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. *I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, *so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, *may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, *and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. *Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, *to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. *
2 Corinthians 12:7–10 —To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. *Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. *But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. *That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. *
Philippians 1:6 —being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. *
Philippians 2:12–13 —Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, *for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. *
John 15:5 —“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. *
Philippians 4:19 —And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. *
Psalm 68:19 —Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah *
Psalm 31:19 —How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. *
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