The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"Discontent: Exposed by the Light,
Tossed Into the Flames"
The born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ must allow no thought or sensibility of discontent to find a resting place in our minds.
"I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phillipians 4:11).
By discontent, we mean allowing things we cannot change to tempt us to live in sorrow, mourning, and perhaps most importantly, unbelief. The Bible so plainly declares God's involvement and working in all things in our lives that if a challenge remains with us, of whatever mode or measure, we must believe our Heavenly Father has a purpose in determining or allowing it. Yes, "all things work together for good" - or they do not (Romans 8:28). If the latter is correct, then everything in Scripture dissolves into fantasy and falsehood. If, however, the former is true, that is, if God coordinates "all things" in our lives for His glory and our benefit, then we must learn the Apostle Paul's "therewith to be content."
This truth calls us to engage active hearts and minds in the faith that believes the Word of God in face of any conflicting notion, emotion, or commotion in our lives. Our spiritual enemies tempt us to be discontent in countless ways whereby they seek to thwart our experience of the peace and joy of Christ. We must counter with the one way whereby we overcome the challenge. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (I John 5:4). By "faith" the Apostle John references the Scriptural truths that destroy paralyzing dissatisfaction when believed and affirmed. Here are but a few:
God is God. "I am the Lord thy God" (Genesis 20:2).
God works in all things. "God… worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" (Ephesians 1:3; 11).
God is for us. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).
God is with us."I am with you always… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).
God is our shelter and safety. "Your life is hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).
God is our serenity and strength. "Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10).
These and countless other Scriptural promises assure the believer that our Lord ever works for our best interests. If He provides that which accords with our desires, it is for our benefit. If He seems to withhold provision, protection, or things desired, it is for our best interests. In the light of such truth, discontent must be tossed into the flames from which the light shines. The challenge is great, but the Holy Spirit works to empower our determination to not allow the things we do not have to hinder our joy in the Christ we forever have. He is enough, eternally and in this moment enough, and any notion to the contrary is worthy only for exposure by the light, and incineration by the flames.
"Be content with such things as ye have, for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
(Hebrews 13:5)
Weekly Memory Verse
I will love Thee, o Lord my strength.
(Psalm 18:1)
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