Imagine being an athlete who starts numerous races but never sees a finish line; it would surely not be long before you became frustrated with this turn of events!
The example above seems like something you would never want for yourself, but sadly it can be our practice. If we are to find the ‘secret of being content’ that Paul speaks of in his letter to the Philippians (4:12), than we might need to make some adjustments to the way we approach our prayer life and relationship with God.
Here is what I have learnt from the letter.
Pray – Specifically and with God’s purposes in mind.
Watch – Don’t forget to watch for God’s hand at work. The more specific your prayer the easier it tends to be to see how God is working. This is easily the forgotten step; it is like starting a race with no anticipation of the finish.
Rejoice – Having seen God at work, rejoice and celebrate the God who is at work. Don’t fall into the trap of considering things “lucky” or “fortunate” but instead having asked God, having seen him work, Rejoice and Rejoice in the Lord!
When our minds are attuned this way, and focused on Jesus, the secret of being content becomes less elusive.
‘And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.’ Phil 4:19
Shane Dirks.
