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An airline pilot was flying over the Tennessee mountains when he pointed out a lake to his copilot. “See that little lake?” he said. “When I was a kid I used to sit in a rowboat down there, fishing. Every time a plane would fly overhead, I’d look up and wish I were flying it. Now I look down and wish I was in a rowboat, fishing.”
Contentment in life can be quite elusive at times. And it’s not because inner tranquility isn’t attainable, it’s just that we don’t always live with the right perspective. It’s like the story of two teardrops floating down the river of life. One teardrop said to the other, “Who are you?” “I’m a teardrop from a girl who loved a man and lost him. Who are you?” “I’m a teardrop from the girl who got him,” said the other.
In Philippians 4, a follower of Jesus sits in a prison cell awaiting potential execution because of false charges that have been trumped up by corrupt officials. Yet in the midst of his social isolation, dreary circumstances, and uncertain future, the apostle finds tranquility in the moment and shows us how to find contentment in life. The answer is wrapped up in a short little “thank you” note that he wrote to the Philippian church for sending him a financial gift in support of his gospel ministry. Despite the circumstance from which it was written, joy is a major theme throughout this brief letter to the Philippians. (Philippians 1:4, 1:18, 1:25, 2:2, 2:16, 2:17, 2:18, 2:28, 3:1, 3:3, 4:1)
In verse 10 he says, “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.” (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)
Paul’s joy wasn’t based in a sunny optimism or positive mental attitude as much as it was the confidence that God was in sovereign control over his circumstances. It truly was a joy in the Lord as seen in verse 4.
I have yet to meet an absolute perfectionist whose life was filled with peace. The need for perfection and the desire for inner tranquility are in conflict with each other. The need for perfection is driven by our lust for control. The secret to inner peace is found in our letting go of the need to be in control and resting in the confidence that God is in control.
In verses 6-9, Paul tells us how to find this inner tranquility. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9 ESV)
The word “guard” in verse 7 speaks of a military action. It’s a depiction of how the peace of God functions in us; the word picture suggests imagery of God’s peace serving the role of a sentinel as it defends the castle of our soul and the fortress of our mind.
It’s obvious that to this first century prisoner of the faith, perspective and attitude played a huge role in his secret of contentment. Perspective is how we look at things. Attitude is how we choose to think about those things. William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.” How can you alter your attitude today to reflect the faith of a person who rejoices in the Lord no matter what the circumstances may be, and one who surrenders the need to be in control in exchange for the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control?
Think about that as you recalibrate your perspective to trust God in all of your circumstances as you take time to abide in Him today.
The secret of contentment and inner peace is found in our letting go of the need to be in control and resting in the confidence that God is in control.
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