(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: Adam Watson, Associate Pastor of Worship Ministries, Champion Forest Baptist Church)
“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.” Phil 4:11-13 (NIV)
How many of us can honestly agree with Paul and say that we have learned to be content whatever the circumstances? Around Thanksgiving, many of us gather a list of things to be thankful for, and speak them as a reminder of God’s blessings. This is a great exercise and a discipline that we should practice all year round.
But what is it that keeps us from living in a lifestyle of constant thanksgiving for every circumstance? Personally, I let life’s big and little annoyances crowd out the things for which I should be thankful. If you’re a problem solver like me, you focus on how to fix all the tough things going on before you feel like you can rest and really be thankful for the good things. That’s not how Paul approached his life. He was thankful all along the way. Sure, Paul still faced more than his share of challenges, but he didn’t wait to start his thanksgiving until things got better.
The choice we have today is to see our lives in spiritual terms. The physical things we can thank God for will come and go. The spiritual aspects of our lives are what last. Abundant life with Christ is the secret to constant contentment. What worldly and physical things are keeping you from seeing God’s blessings in your life? What problems are postponing your life of thankfulness? Ask the Lord for help to see your life through spiritual eyes.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell