I just want to know HOW he learned that!
Let’s be honest; Paul mentions some pretty gnarly circumstances in Philippians 4:11-13:Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (ESV).What’s the secret recipe to contentment in every situation, including sheltering-in-home? It’s great that Paul says he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength… Good for him! …BUT HOW DOES HE RECEIVE THAT STRENGTH? After all, he calls it a secret that has to be learned. So guess what, we’re smack in the middle of a…
…Secret Learning Boot Camp on Contentment!
Here’s how that contentment boot camp works:1. If you are going to learn a secret from Jesus, you have to be hanging out with Him a lot. You can’t isolate yourself from Him.
2. You have to involve the Holy Spirit in your self-talk. This means tuning into your inner dialogue with yourself and listening to His comments on your musings. Especially the downward spiral musings… that’s where He’ll interrupt your thinking the most.
He will throw His thoughts into the mix of your thoughts. You just have to pause long enough to listen. Then take notes on what He says.
3. If you aren’t used to hearing Jesus speak in your inner musings, grab onto a portion of Scripture. He is called the Word, which means He is talking on the page and in your spirit.
Turn your chosen portion of Scripture around in your thoughts. Treat it as an encrypted message that you need to apply to yourself.
While you are trying to figure it out, the Lord will unravel it. The secret code becomes evident as you muse over it, discuss it with the Holy Spirit, and apply what He says.