“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:10-13 NIV
Lord of all our circumstances,
Some days it is easy to be content. Content to do what needs to be done. Content to get through a day at work or doing necessary tasks. Do we need to experienced the extremes of need and plenty, being well fed and hungry, living in plenty or in want, so we can understand what Paul is saying about learning true contentment? Our generation seems to be all about wanting what others have? And Lord, some people seem naturally laid back and relaxed and content . . .
I have known times of need but I have never starved. I have never truly known the extremes of desperation and want. Or the extremes of having everything I would like! But I still have had times when I have had to learn to be content. I have also known the generosity of others, as Paul did, when I did not ask, but others knew what I needed. Whether financial, practical or just support. For their generosity I give thanks.
Teach us contentment in the life You have placed us in. (Not contentment with the things we should and can change.) Show us how to trust You. To be generous where and when we can. To let Your grace keep us humble and to find Your joy in unexpected places. Keep us from sliding into discontent.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord of circumstances,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). World kings, dictators, leaders and rulers.
For Ukraine. We persist in seeking You for an end to war.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions and long term peace.
For our emergency services, the people who serve here and our armed services in war zones.
For those who bring calm and support in anxiety. The Samaritans and support groups.
For market gardeners and the harvest of local beautiful summer provision in this nation.
For those working to help rehabilitate the homeless, addicts and those released from prison.
For us a day to count our blessings whether at home, on holiday or caught up in busyness.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 20th august 2024
Yes, repeated from Friday 9th August but a different version. Am I content whatever lot I see since ’tis my God that leadeth me”?
He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me;
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Lord, I would place Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
O and when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the victory’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Lyrics: Joseph Gilmore (1834-1918)