Mastering Inner Calm

Apr 23
4 min read

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13, NIV

Have you ever wanted to stop the clock from ticking, or lengthen a chapter or two from your life?

After visiting our elderly aunt, I walked away with a heavy heart, but everything changed as I began to reflect upon the precious time we had spent together.

Recalling her caregivers’ incredible patience, sense of humor, and genuine smiles, and thinking about the quiet grace my beautiful aunt radiated from her wheelchair, I was struck by her resilience, and the lessons she continues to teach me each time I see her.

Her unconditional love, gentle conversation, and sense of calm despite all that has happened to her, brought me to a quote I now often turn to after such visits. In Philippians 4:12-13 Paul writes, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

It became evident to me that her endurance and acceptance after losing loved ones, and withstanding physical challenges, could have only come from her walk with the Lord.

Like Paul, who in prison stood firm, whether lashed, beaten, shipwrecked three times, or up against other battles, (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), we can learn to express gratitude and contentment today.

Despite the conditions around you and I, no matter how low the valley, or how high the climb, the only thing that truly matters is trusting in God’s eternal plan.

In emphasizing and reflecting upon the positive we lament, and release all concerns to God to heal our wounds, and live in gratitude realizing, “The Life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself to me” (Galatians 2:20).

As Pastor Charles Swindoll once wrote in his essay ‘Attitude,’ “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you react to it.”

Letting go and allowing God to take control changes the course of your life. “Letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

No matter our season, when we grieve, falter, lose an ability we once had, it is God’s encouragement to us, that when He is our first priority, “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1Timothy 6:6).

Let’s pray.

Loving Lord,

Thank you for the people you’ve placed in my life, and for your Word, that reminds me that peace and contentment is learned in your Presence. Teach me the secret of contentment as you guide me through whatever it is I am going through.

Help me cultivate a heart of gratitude, and to lean on your Resurrection Power and not my own. For it is through your strength, your guidance, and my dependence on you, that I can move forward and know what to do. In you, “Lord we can rest content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23), I praise you and thank you, sweet Jesus.

Amen.

Thank you, my friend, for being here.

Until next time…

May the Spirit of God lead you,

The Word of God sustain you,

And the Promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.

With love and blessings.

It is my honor and privilege to pray and celebrate with you. Please email your prayer requests and praises to sue@faithfirstwomen.com

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✏️This Week’s Reflection Prompts

What is keeping you from being content today? Examples might include: waiting for circumstances to change, relinquishing control to God, unrealistic goals, or lack of surrender.
Personalize today’s verses to make them your own and pray them back to the Lord asking him to instruct your heart.
Read Hebrews 13:5, and Ecclesiates 4:8. Rest in God’s Presence and as you reflect on these passages ask the Lord if there is something else you need to do to unwrap the secret to living a full life.

🙏Prayer Circle Invitation

If you or someone you know would like to start your week with others in prayer, please consider joining me for our Monday morning Power of Reflection Prayer Circle. We meet virtually to lift one another in prayer, and reflect on Scripture. For further details email me at sue@faithfirstwomen.com. I’d love to have you.

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