“I have learned the secret of being content” (Philippians 4:12).
CONTENTMENT
The Apostle Paul, tells us that he has “learned the secret”. A secret is not something that’s easily known. It may take a while to learn this secret, and there are many people who don’t know it. But if we can learn this secret we of all people are truly blessed.
The Greek word is myéō - akin to mystḗrion, shutting the eyes and mouth to experience mystery. I like that explanation because we shut our eyes in prayer and receive instruction from the Lord. To sit quietly before the Lord and receive what he has to give us.
Mary sat before the Lord in quiet contemplation, adoration and wonder. But Martha was frustrated. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things”.
Yes, there are many things in life that could upset our apple cart. But Jesus went on to say, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42).
Martha had yet to learn the secret of being still before the Lord and knowing that he is God.
Even when we are busy we can have that stillness before God, we can walk, not in a brow-beaten rush, but walk peacefully in the Spirit.
“I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). The “flesh” will have us turning every which way, but the Spirit helps us to walk through life in the way in which God intended us to walk.
So troubles may come our way, but they come that we may learn the secret of being content.
In these days that we are living in there is much to disconcert us, so let’s be quick learners, good students, sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning what he has to say. As bleak as events get here on earth they cannot stop the sunshine of his love blazing through.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1).