Trouble

"At-A-Glance" does me a favor each year when their calendar insert reminds me that the time has come once again to order my new planner for the year to come.  While 2021 is not quite around the next corner, it will arrive soon. 

Most of us who will welcome the new year will do so with joy for reasons aplenty - first among which is the fact that 2021 marks the end of 2020.  To understate by quite a bit, 2020 has held more than its fair share of trials.  I leave the list-of-trials making to you; for while we all shared some of the same trials, your list holds some things not on my list just as my list has some that yours does not.  And so, we look forward to January 1st.

Check out Paul's words that relate well here.

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Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Paul learned to be content.  What does that mean?

I propose that it is best to begin answering that question by stating what contentment is not.

To be content does not mean one must "leave good enough alone" or settle for less than good.  Paul sought to change people's minds about God.  Paul encouraged Philemon to welcome Onesimus home not as a runaway slave but as a dear brother.  Paul's contentment did not equal settling for leaving religious belief and social justice issues alone.  It did equal trusting God to teach him ("I have learned to be content") how to live by faith in hope during pleasant and difficult times alike.  

I have no way of knowing what 2021 will bring other than trouble.  We're guaranteed that.  That is not the best news to share, but it is the truth.  So - when trouble comes, what will you do?

Paul provides a rather helpful suggestion.  He does so just prior to his words on contentment.  It's not coincidence that they go together.

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

When trouble comes, give that a shot.

#ordinarylives