| The secret of true peace |
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The Apostle Paul concludes his famous passage on contentment in Philippians 4:10-13 by sharing the secret for true peace, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Paul exposes the popular myth that contentment can be found apart from God. You won't find lasting peace in a successful business, a perfect body, or a wonderful relationship, apart from Christ. It is simply a lie. A popular one, but a lie, nonetheless. If you need endurance and perspective when times are lean, God will give you that. Or if your challenge is to learn how to "hold all things loosely" when you live in plenty, God will give you that, too.
The Apostle Paul was content regardless of circumstance, because he knew that only Jesus Christ has the power to provide transcending peace. Paul's peace was fully, deeply, intellectually and volitionally linked for eternity with Someone that was all-knowing, all-powerful, benevolent and wise, Who loved him unconditionally. This wise man cherished his deep relationship with the Creator of the universe!
Paul knew that God would bring the best possible results using the best possible means at exactly the right time. He was confident that if God provided little, He would supplement it with grace, endurance, and understanding. When God blessed with plenty, Paul refused to be seduced by the deceitful tentacles of wealth, knowing that not even this could satisfy, apart from God. The resource for Paul's peace, and for ours, is unconditional love from a personal God Who holds unlimited resources.
Peace and contentment apart from God is a fairy tale, a fantasy. You are made for Him and by Him, and He loves you with an everlasting love. Every other source will eventually come up empty. The Apostle Paul saw beyond his external circumstances because he had internal resources. Paul's contentment was based not in the material, but the spiritual; not in things but in a Person; not in personal performance or achievement, but in his personal relationship with the God of unlimited resources. The secret of Paul's peace was not self-sufficiency, but the enduring sufficiency of Christ.
So, how can we "tap into" Paul's unlimited peace resource? How can we know this same sufficiency and walk in victory through any situation? Be Confident.
If we believe that Jesus is Who He said He is, then peace lives within us. That means you can expect Jesus Christ to give you everything you need to be fully satisfied right where you are today. Expect it! Pray for it! Don't hope for it—expect it! Expect Jesus to give you everything you need, within and without, regardless of your circumstances, because you are the object of His affection. Expect grace to endure adversity, hurt, pain, injustice and heartache. Expect mercy to forgive past sins, mistakes, and poor choices. Expect wisdom for tough decisions, integrity tests, and relational conflict.
Expect opportunities to give to others freely so that wealth won't corrode your heart. Expect the manifestation of the peace and presence of Christ—moment by moment, day by day, one day at a time—to be all you need. Expect to be at peace.
Peace and contentment is not an elusive butterfly to be chased. It is not out there in the future when your "ship comes in." It is not having more, getting more, or being different. Contentment is something that by the grace of God, we learn. And like riding a bike, playing a musical instrument, or learning to use a computer, it takes practice.
God gives us grace and He causes us to learn contentment. Do you long to rest in the most secure place of all, of true intimacy with God? It’s that place where you and Jesus are so close that nothing can separate you: you’re on the same wavelength and everything is clicking. Perhaps you need to restore your first love with Jesus, but the “world system” has stopped you dead in your tracks. Chip Ingram’s rich messages from the audio series ‘Rediscovering Ancient Paths to Intimacy with God’ will help you examine your authenticity, your unity within the body and your direct line of communication with God. For more on how to purchase this course, contact Walk Thru the Bible on 011-782-4222 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to place your order. |