Friday January 19, 2024

Today is Friday, January 19 and we are studying what scripture says about Sabbath rest.

As I begin this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and focus on the God who loves me. As a new year begins I seek to learn how God wants to bless me and my faith family through the practice of Sabbath.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, you created me and know what is best for me – body, mind and soul. Teach me the secret of contentment and what it means to be satisfied with the goodness you provide. Help me practice the rhythm of life you designed and find weekly Sabbath rest in your love. Amen.

I find peace and contentment in the presence of the Lord, I praise him with the words of Psalm 131.

My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Psalm 131:1-2

Pause and Pray

Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians from prison. The Roman prison system didn’t give prisoners meals or provide them with a clean, safe place to live. In ancient Rome, friends, family and humanitarians had to care for prisoners or they would go hungry and dwell in filth and discomfort. The Philippian church sent money with a man named Epaphroditus. When he arrived in Rome, he purchased food and supplies for Paul. The church may have also sent a cloak and blankets to help Paul stay warm in the winter months. Epaphroditis stayed with Paul for a period of time to care for his needs (Philippians 2:25). Paul sincerely appreciated the concern and the gifts and he wrote to thank the church.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. Philippians 4:11-13

Paul rejoiced that he has learned the secret of contentment regardless of what he possesses and no matter the circumstances. In either abundance or scarcity Paul is content. He has the resources he needs. The source of his contentment is not himself but Jesus Christ. His satisfaction is not a result of his own achievement, ability or wisdom, it is empowered by Christ. By himself, Paul realizes he is powerless, but he has learned he can overcome anything with Jesus. He finds he can do all things through the strength Christ provides.

Ask: What is the source of my contentment? Where am I overflowing and where am I lacking?

Pause and Pray

Blessed and loving God, teach me the secret of contentment. Show me what it means to be satisfied in body, mind and spirit regardless of my circumstances. Let my heart be satisfied in every situation, whether I am well fed or hungry, whether I have plenty or little. Give me strength of soul and faith of spirit to overcome anything with Jesus. I read the words from Philippians again and listen for the message you have for me.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. Philippians 4:11-13

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Paul was not a victim or circumstances but the victor over circumstances because of Christ. I can be victorious over my circumstances as well. Paul found contentment in the spiritual resources abundantly provided by Jesus. I can find this contentment as well. Contentment is an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of every difficulty. The word “contentment” comes from the same root word as the word “contained.” All I need comes in one container – Jesus. I don’t need anything else. Christ is sufficient in every situation because through Jesus I have everything I need for anything life throws at me.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, reveal my places of abundance and want. Show me what I am lacking in the core of my soul and supply what I need most. I turn to you as the One source for everything I need. You are my provision. You are my supply. Because of you I rest securely confident that you are with me and want to bless me. Amen.

Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

I leave this time of prayer with a contented heart. I go to labor for the peace and contentment of others through the love of Jesus Christ my Lord.

Amen