Uganda IBS 12 - Contentment in everything

Philippians 4:5-6
"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
In Paul's letter to the Philippians he encourages the people to stay focused, to stay true to the truth, and rejoice in the Lord always. I think an important thing to notice is the fact that Paul, while in chains, is writing about rejoicing in all things. He proves that it's not only important that we rejoice in the good things but also in the bad things. The importance is his behavior towards the trouble he faces. It speaks loudly of his God, testifying the faith he has in his God. As Christians having a savior we should always be content knowing the power and might of our God. Our Lord protects us, aids us, and has his hand upon us. That is why we call him the Good Shepherd because He gives us the strength to endure the elements of this fallen world; He endures it with us. So when we get anxious that is a sign that we need His aid, the aid of His spirit. Once we ask, calling out as His people He always answers. Paul's point on prayer and supplication with thanksgiving is then applied to our lives. Then, with the filling of the Holy Spirit of God, we can be content in everything we face good or bad. People notice the behavior of Christians, but not always do we represent our Christ as He truly is. When we trust our Lord Jesus Christ and know His hand is at work in all things. Then we will be content in everything we face. The people we are surrounded by will see a peace in us that surpasses all understand. This especially so when bad things occur in our lives. I'm sure that those people will disire the same for their own lives. With this discernment we'll have the chance to minister to people that want to listen.  To apply this lesson I will share this message with one team member that might seem to be in a state of distress today, I will do this in a calm and compassionate manner only to allow love to abound.

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