Often, we are offered support, but refuse it. Sometimes, we need help but don’t ask for it. Most of the time, we will put up with an issue or try to solve it using our own strength.
Today, we heard straight from the word of God, that by humbling ourselves and asking for God’s support throughout our life’s struggles we can find contentment in every situation, no matter what life may throw at us.
We read the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, which he wrote whilst imprisoned. Although Paul was in an unimaginable position, he reached out to the Philippians to encourage them not to lose their faith. Just as Paul thought to encourage the Philippians rather than dwell on his current struggles, we were encouraged from the scriptures not to worry or be anxious regarding our situation, but rather be humble, reach out to God and support those around us instead.
Philippians 2
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
This idea of putting aside our own troubles and supporting others in our time of need is a very unnatural idea and one that requires us to disregard our egos and be humble, something that can be difficult to achieve in our own strength.
Although we may not see the glory in our current situations, we were encouraged to remember that God is our glory, God is our reason for hope, God is our reason for joy, God is our reason for love. For we know that God has a plan for us all and his plan is perfect.
Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Paul knew, as did the Philippians, that true contentment comes through humbling ones self and putting your faith in God.
As we go about our daily lives, we find contentment in all situations knowing that God is there with us ready and willing to support us when we humble ourselves and ask.