Contented with My Lot

After having lunch with my husband the other day, a very special treat in itself, I headed back to work under a clear blue sky with the sun shining on a beautiful autumn day. I had a very conscious thought that I am very happy with my life. I sighed contentedly and thanked God for blessings totally undeserved. I was suddenly overwhelmed with how good God is to me always. Psalm 16:6 came to mind. The psalmist says, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” In the verses preceding, David pledged his loyalty to the Lord, denouncing idolatry and those who run after and sacrifice to other gods. Charles Spurgeon said that “David believed in an overruling destiny which fixed the bounds of his abode, and his possessions; he was satisfied with all the appointment of the predestinating God.” David was rejoicing as I did in the largeness of God's goodness to him. However, as I looked at this passage more closely and read verse 5, which says, “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup...”, I surmised that David's joy was more in the Giver God than in the gifts given. Yes, my life is so very good, and its boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, but my contentment is and always will be in God my Father, my Savior, my Holy Spirit. Be encouraged and contented today in Holy God.

Joy

I have been thinking about joy a great deal lately, especially as I am studying Philippians once again. Paul's writings are filled with the theme of joy and rejoicing. He is writing this letter as he is under house arrest, chained to a Roman soldier day and night. Yet he begins by telling the Philippians that he is thankful for them and makes every prayer for them with joy. The very fact that he is thinking of others over himself is amazing, but even more astounding is that he is doing so with joy. A few verses down he tells them, "I will rejoice." Why? Because no matter what is going on with him and around him, Christ is being proclaimed. His joy comes from his attitude "to live is Christ and to die is gain." He begins chapter three with the admonition to rejoice in the Lord before he gives them some strong warnings about false teachings that might rob them of their joy. He picks up the theme of joy again in chapter four, saying once again, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice." As Paul ends this letter to the Philippians, we are shown where he finds this joy. It comes from his focus on the Lord. "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly..." He has joy because he is content with his lot in life. "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." He has joy because he is totally dependent on Christ. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Again, he has joy because he looks to God alone. "To our God and Father be glory forever and ever." Be encouraged today in the joy of the Lord, and may "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."