Faith

July 29, 2007

By Ethan Hansen

Anxiety, fear, worry and stress are common words today and familiar experiences to many.

God does not want us to worry.

Over and over again Jesus said, &#8220Do not worry,” Matthew 6:25, 31, 34. The worrier strikes out at God. He says, &#8220God, I just don't think I can trust you.”

The worrier disbelieves scripture. It is inconsistent to say that we believe the Bible and then worry about God fulfilling what he says in it.

The worrier is mastered by circumstances. Jesus said, &#8220Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” John 14:27.

The peace Jesus gives transcends circumstances.

The worrier distrusts God. When a person worries, he is not trusting his heavenly father. That means he doesn't know him well enough.

The opposite of anxiety and worry is contentment. Contentment in scripture is not only a virtue, but also a command. The Apostle Paul learned to be content.

Paul said, &#8220Š for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content Š,” Philippians 4:11.

How can we build contentment into our lives? God reveals the secret to us! In Philippians 4:10-19 the Bible provides five principles for being content.

The first principle is confidence in God's providence: &#8220But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.”

Paul planted the church in Philippi. Ten years had passed since he last heard from them: &#8220Your concern for me has flourished again.” Paul was content to wait upon God's timing. He didn't resort to panic or manipulation. He was certain that in due time God would order circumstances so that his needs would be met.

God works in two ways in the world - by miracles and by providence. A miracle has no natural explanation. God parted the Red Sea. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. A miracle is a temporary suspension of the laws of nature. Divine providence is different. Providence is God orchestrating everything to accomplish his purposes. God providentially ordered the lives of Joseph, Ruth and Esther.

Contentment comes from learning that God can intervene supernaturally, but also by orchestrating natural events. We must work as hard as we can and be content that God is in control of the results.

The second principle is satisfaction with little. Paul said, &#8220Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity.”

&#8220Not that I speak from want” is another way of Paul saying, &#8220I don't have any needs that aren't being met.” Scripture says to be content with the bare necessities of life- food, clothing and shelter.

Jesus left heaven and came to earth and lived in poverty. He was content.

David said in Psalm 23:1,&#8220The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.” The Good Shepherd in John 10:14 is Jesus. He will meet your every need.

The third principle is to rise above your circumstances. Philippians 4:11 says, &#8220I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

Difficult circumstances steal contentment.

Too often we crumble and lose our sense of satisfaction and peace when we allow circumstances to victimize us. Jesus endured the cross by focusing on the eternal reward. Realize that any circumstance you face is temporary. Learn to be content by not taking your circumstances too seriously.

The fourth principle is to understand that you are sustained by divine power.

Paul said, &#8220I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13. The supernatural power of Jesus sustained the Apostle Paul. No matter how difficult things become in this world, every Christian has a spiritual undergirding.

Isaiah 40:31 promises, &#8220Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings as eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”

When you reach the end of your natural strength, the power of God will sustain you.

The fifth principle is to focus upon the well-being of others.

Paul said, &#8220Not that I seek the gift but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account,” Philippians 4:17.

The church of Philippi was a poor church. It sent food, clothing and money to Paul in Rome. Paul was more interested in its spiritual benefit than his material gain! Paul did not focus upon being comfortable, well-fed and satisfied. He always focused upon the needs of others.

Attack anxiety in your life by being content. The ultimate example of contentment is Jesus.

He lived in poverty.

He lived a perfect life.

He was rejected by his own.

He died on the cross.

Our sins were laid upon him.

He trusted his father.

We must do the same.

Ethan Hansen is pastor of the Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake. Contact him at ethanchansen@gci.net.