CONTENT IN CHAOS

“…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

The missionary apostle Paul of the New Testament made this claim, and it’s rather remarkable. This man spent his post-salvation life living as a preaching vagabond, often being run out of town, beaten, jailed and almost killed many times. He barely scraped enough together to support himself, and eventually he was beheaded in Rome for preaching the good news of the Messiah Jesus.

Today this statement is a challenge for believers. Whether we speak of current conditions in this nation, or the world, or even in our personal lives, it can seem as if all order and comfort we once knew has evaporated – replaced by a vague elusive feeling of chaos and anxiety. Everything is out of order. It doesn’t feel right and it’s madly unsettling. Things that were right side up are now turned on their heads. How do we handle this? What do we do?

There are all sorts of practical suggestions for dealing with a world turned upside down – our personal worlds or the world in general. You can find those elsewhere. I want to make just two suggestions that will change your life in these times. First, remember God is on His throne. Nothing is outside of His will or His authority. He has all that is happening to you personally, and to the world at large in His most capable and powerful hands. This is something we would do well to remind ourselves on a daily basis!

The other is not so easy. Contentment in chaos. Paul knew about this. Notice it says that he LEARNED to be content. It’s not something we just do or remind ourselves of. It’s something we must practice and work to build. It is a condition of our hearts and minds that is seen in our behavior and attitude. We don’t pine and want for things we can’t have. We are glad for the things we do have. We give thanks to a merciful God who holds us close. And eventually we realize, yes, we truly ARE content no matter what the circumstances. It is a matter of “taking every thought captive” (as Paul also said, 2 Corinthians 10:5) and disciplining (oh how we hate that word!) the way we think. Reflect on the meaning of your salvation to be reminded of contentment. Nothing compares to that, and is condition enough to say “It is well with my soul.”

When you start to feel unsettled or anxious in this crazy world, remember God is sovereign and in control, AND practice contentment. Learn it well, as Paul did. It will change your life.