Take Circumstances Out of the Peace Equation

Circumstances have only as much control over our attitudes as we give them.

When dealing with frustrations that pop up throughout the day, we can either let them dictate our mood or see them as opportunities.

Circumstances have only as much control over our attitudes as we give them. When dealing with frustrations that pop up throughout the day, we can either let them dictate our mood or see them as opportunities. Share on X

The Apostle Paul suffered horrible beatings, isolation, rejection, scorn, and humiliation. Yet he claims to have found contentment in his life. He lived a life of want, but didn’t want for anything. Whether chained in a dungeon or speaking to the Roman Emperor, he found peace: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).

Yet if you are like me, you grumble when the dishes pile too high, socks are left on the bathroom floor, winter is cold, the flu attacks, or a celebrated event is delayed.

How did Paul do it? How do you find peace in the midst of chaos and unrest? How do you live above your circumstances?

Welcome Peace

Here is a clue:

Have you noticed that when all is taken away, when troubles are so great there is nothing left, like Paul experienced, we look for anything to make our situation better. We try to see a little light. And when all of “us” is finally stripped away, it’s easier to spot the light of Jesus.

When we find God in a situation and allow Him to fill the dark recesses of our shriveled soul, we welcome peace.

The key, then, to living a life of contentment lies not in our circumstances but in what/Who we train ourselves to see. See only the hard and difficult and be miserable. Notice the small comforts, the Hope that is always there, and find peace in the worst situations.

The key, then, to living a life of contentment lies not in our circumstances but in what/Who we train ourselves to see. See only the hard and difficult and be miserable. Notice the small comforts, the Hope that is always there, and find peace in the… Share on X

Be Filled

So humble yourselves. Live like you have nothing. Like you are nothing. Be aware and appreciative of each moment, and let God fill you with His everything. That takes circumstances out of the equation.

Let’s train ourselves to live a life of appreciation (I know I have a long way to go). It’s time to let the Lord bear our hurts, frustrations, and difficulties, so we can pick up the day’s gifts.

Then perhaps someday we, too, can echo Paul’s words: “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 4:12-13).

“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. … put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

Reflection: In what circumstances do you experience the most contentment?

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