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Phil. 4
Contentment seems so elusive. But it is actually quite simple. The problem is that it stands in direct opposition to our human nature. We humans always want more. Adam and Eve had everything they wanted and needed in the Garden of Eden, even direct fellowship with God. Still, they wanted more. They wanted whatever that one forbidden tree had to offer. Likewise with King David, who was not satisfied with all he had and chose to take another man’s wife (and life!). God reminded David of all He had given him and said, “And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more.” (2 Sam. 12:8b). But David wanted what should have been off limits to him. Ironically, every time we try to get more, we ultimately end up with less.
So what is the simple secret to contentment? Paul lets us in on it. “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.” (Phil. 4:12b). So, that familiar verse about being able to do all things through Christ is not the “go get ‘em” speech we typically make it out to be. Rather, it is the secret to being content. Rely on God.
So when our human nature tells us, “I need more”, we can respond with the truth, “No I don’t.” We know this is true because we know that God knows what we really need and that we can trust Him to sustain us with whatever He gives, be it a lot or a little. When we fully rely on God in this way, we stop seeing our need as ‘need’ and we stop chasing our desires for more. And when we do that, we are content.
2 Kings 1-2
Why did Elisha refuse to leave Elijah? Where are you stubborn for good reasons? I can’t say that I know what Elisha’s motives were in refusing to leave Elijah. I do believe that he was being stubbornly faithful to something worthwhile. And I believe God rewarded him for his faithfulness. However, I’m not convinced he stuck with Elijah for any personal gain or glory. I’m not so sure his ‘reward’ is something most would find rewarding.
When Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of his spirit, Elijah responded, “You have asked a difficult thing” (2 Kings 2:10a). Difficult for who? It certainly wasn’t difficult for God. And Elijah had no part in it. So he must have meant that it would be difficult for Elisha. Elijah was more than familiar with the trials and burdens of being a man of God. He knew what Elisha was in for. Again, I don’t know if Elisha knew what he was asking for. But I do think he was rightly convinced that it was worth it.
This story also reminds me of Ruth, who was likewise stubbornly faithful to something worthwhile. And the thing I see in both stories is that God was glorified through their faithfulness. In Ruth’s case, she became the great grandmother of King David. And Elisha went on to serve God with the same faithfulness with which he had stuck with Elijah. So I pray that I have the wisdom and the courage to be stubbornly faithful to the right things, that God might be glorified through me.
Ps. 67
Compare v. 1 with Numbers 6:24-26. For what purpose does the psalmist pray for God’s blessing? I see the same attitude in this Psalm that I sense in Elisha. The Psalmist’s request for God’s blessing is followed by the reason. “So that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” (Ps. 67:2). I also see this attitude in Paul, as he thanked the Philippians for their gift to him. Paul said, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” (Phil. 4:17). Though each of these subjects receives a blessing, their real blessing in it lies outside of their personal benefit. Now that is what I call true freedom from self!