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January 28, 2010
Philippians 4:10-12

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Philippians 4:10-12


We all know that it's easy to be content when we have everything we need. A place to live, family and friends, money to spend, a good job, food to eat, entertainment, etc. When we think about it, the list of things that "would make us happy if we just had them" is pretty long. I think there comes a point in everyone's life when they think, "Wow, if I could just fix [fill-in-the-blank], life would be perfect." Our daily lives are centered around what we have, or the lack thereof. Our lives are controlled by "stuff"--both the good and the bad.

Can you imagine living a life free from "stuff" and it's control? It's possible! Paul makes a huge statement here... he says that he has the secret to happiness--something our society is desperately searching for. He knows how to live with "almost nothing or with everything... in every situation." Now that's someone who doesn't let "stuff" control their life.



So what's the secret? Giving up the control to something infinitely more powerful than "stuff".



Someone once told me that letting God control your life means letting go of the things that you're holding onto so tightly. Just envision everything that you have (your future, your family, your financial situation... your whole life) sitting in the palm of your hand. Most of us are gripping on as tight as possible. After all, we love and need these things. And the thought of losing anything that we're holding makes us hang on for dear life. Surrendering your life to God means easing the tightness of your grip to the point of opening your hand completely. And not only that, but handing it all over. We give up the control to God by simply letting everything go and letting Him take it.



When God is in control, I don't have to worry about how I'm going to manage with or without stuff. I let Him handle it. Then, no matter what situation I'm in, I know that the Creator of the universe is handling my life--someone who is way more qualified than me.

A Thankful Thought


I'm grateful that God loves me, even when I'm not loveable. I'm also grateful that He sees the deepest part of my soul and He knows what my motives are even when I'm misunderstood. He is my comforter and my song in the night. I'm never alone, He is always with me!

A NewSpring Staff Member


Your Comments

1

Michael | January 28, 2010 at 01.22 am

This is beautifully expressed.

We are taught from an early age about being responsible for our own lives, our happiness, etc. Bad programming because it’s egocentric. When we release that control over our lives, let God lead, let God “control” then it’s possible, likely, that we can find happiness, peace and joy.

Wanting more and more, doing whatever it takes to get it is a dead-end road, one that many take. It doesn’t bring much satisfaction.

2

Carol Ignoto | January 28, 2010 at 06.04 am

I understand these verses more in my life since the Lord is showing me the things I have had held on to…he has taken some away and is helping me to see that the ‘things’ we hold onto are in fact th things that ‘take’ us away from him…we learn to lean on them instead of HIM. It is a humbling experience to have these things brought up to one’s life..He is teaching me that, Faith is not Faith until it is the ONLY thing that you are holding on to! I was living in the fake world of thinking that as long as I had the ‘comforts’ of life, like job,money,car,being able to spend money when ever I wanted, was why I had my faith…No..it is when you learned to let go of these things and hold onto nothing but your faith in the LORD that you truly see WHO he is…we are so conditioned to think the more we have the better off you are…and I am finding out that it is in times of not relieing on ‘things’ is the way to help you let go of these temporal things and hold onto HIM..cause in the end..that is the ONLY thing we take with us…our Love and acceptence of our Lord Jesus Christ! It is when our Faith becomes our eyes!! THe Blessings of learning to lean on him are endless!!


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