TO CHEW ON: "I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Philippians 4:12 (emphasis added)
As an elderly, life-worn man, Paul was schooled by a variety of experiences and states. So are you. So am I. Here are some of the things life has taught me:
1. What you fill your mind with is important.This principle is always important and is underlined for me each time I am bedridden by illness or sidelined with an injury. Years ago during a difficult pregnancy, I spent many hours on the living room couch and found myself immersed in a Christian book about dealing with the occult. A pastor who came to pray for me saw the book and gently admonished, "That might not be the best reading material for you right now."
A few months later, when I was again out of commission, I determined to read something more uplifting. J. I. Packer's Knowing God proved to be the perfect mind food for someone longing to understand God during a difficult event. I still recall that time as one of intimacy with God and spiritual growth. Philippians 4:8 contains a list of wholesome mind-fillers.
2. Do things now, not later.If you're prompted to work ahead on assignments with a distant deadline, don't put it off with "There's still lots of time." You have no idea how much time you really have.
What happened in the spring of 2014 before I went to visit family members in northern B.C. reinforced that for me. Before I left home, I worked ahead on all the deadlines I knew about. Then halfway through my time away I broke my hip. Was I ever glad I had obeyed those promptings to work ahead! "… these things do, and the God of peace will be with you" - Philippians 4:9.
3. Remember, "No condition is permanent."I mull over these words of a former pastor whenever I am in a stressful, uncomfortable, wish-this-were-over place. In the meantime, I try to practice contentment - Philippians 4:11.
4. It is important to finish jobs.I've learned this from quitting difficult things a few times. The instant gratification of quitting is never worth the long-term erosion in self-esteem and self-confidence. Rather, I need to continue to take Philippians 4:13 as my motto: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
What has life taught you?
PRAYER: Dear God, please help me to live by the principles of Your word and to recognize Your grace for me in each circumstance. Amen.
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Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
