In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
Jeremiah 2:13
For us as believers, contentment should be governed by inner attitude
and the decisions we make rather than by external circumstances. Because
Paul had learned this secret, he was able to experience joy and peace
in any kind of situation--whether he was surrounded by friends or
isolated in a Roman prison; whether he had plenty or was in great need.
The apostle understood what it meant to live in Christ and to have
Christ living in him (John 15:1-9; Gal. 5:22-23). He had made a simple
but profound faith decision to draw his life from the Lord and, as a
result, had the calm assurance that what he possessed inside could never
be stolen. He was confident in his identity as a child of the Almighty,
with full access to the abundant life Jesus offers.
I want to
challenge you--this week, when something threatens to steal your
contentment, choose to draw from God; decide to stop drawing from other
sources and trying to be in control. When you find yourself becoming
flustered, anxious, or angry, stop and say, "Lord, You are my source,
and I draw from You the capacity to be kind. I draw from You the
forgiveness I need to extend right now. I draw from You the love I need
to express." This decision is a matter of simple trust.
Watch and
see how God will quiet your spirit and provide confidence when you draw
only from Him as your source. You'll be surprised at your own attitude:
when you respond from within--rather than from the flesh--Jesus will
give you the ability to respond as He would.
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