He talked from Philippians 4:6-7, which says
"...do not be anxious about anything anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
He defined contentment again... I like the definition. He said contentment is the capacity to deal with your situation without feeling restless or anxious. Perfectly at peace.
Charles Stanley related everything he talked about as either providing contentment or anxiety... and even though I don't feel particularly anxious most of the time, I realize that when I'm not content in my circumstance, I do worry. Not to the extent that it feels overwhelming (at least, not usually), but I still feel anxious. My life at those moments just feel like something to get out of so that I can move on to the next - hopefully more exciting - part in my life. That causes a certain amount of anxiety. I think I'd prefer contentment.
First, go to prayer. "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer... let your requests be made known to God."
Charles Stanley talked about recognizing God's omniscience when we pray. Realizing that God knows all about my situation and He knows what to do with it. My life isn't exactly super thrilling right now, but God knows that and He knows what to do about it.
I also need to recognize that God always sees all my problems and situations. He's right here with me in the midst of all my life's situations.
...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."Hebrews 13:5
Doesn't matter what's going on. God will always be there and He knows exactly when and how to act. I need to remember this when I pray. I am not on my own.
"The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything..."Philippians 4:5b-6a
(I think that's a cool thought... usually when we quote that passage about not being anxious, we leave out the first part that says "The Lord is at hand." It makes more sense not to be anxious when you remember that the Lord is right there).
God can handle my problems, too (even if they're boredom). God is omnipotent.
"If God can't handle it, then it can't be handled. So, why should I worry about it?"-Charles Stanley (audio archive, Jan 10, 2008)
Charles Stanley said that he believes that some people live in constant anxiety because they aren't willing to admit that they can't handle their situations. Admitting that I can't handle and don't know what to do with my boredom and telling God that, shows that I realize that God is ultimately in control and that He can handle whatever I'm going through. Wow! Just to feel that freeing power... to know that God can handle what I am incapable of dealing with. Incredible! And that He will handle it. Amazing! What indescribable love He must have for us!
"...do not be anxious about anything anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
"let your requests be made known to God." Let God know what you need (not that He doesn't already know... but talking with God is always great and perhaps it'll clarify what's going on for yourself - it's good to verbalize sometimes). I think it's fantastic to be honest with God... it doesn't work to hide things from Him because He knows everything and pretending it doesn't exist doesn't help you.
The three "steps" that Charles Stanley suggested for learning to be content is
1. Focus on God
2. Focus on your complete helplessness
3. Thanksgiving (an expression of faith - knowing that God is there and that He can handle whatever I'm going through)
It seems like there has been a theme of giving up control to God in my life lately. I'm learning over and over that it is God who holds the power over everything and it is Him (and only Him) who changes me and who can change my circumstances. Perhaps I'll have to write about that sometime soon.
"...and the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
That sounds so cool. Peace guarding my heart. No room for anxiety/worry or restlessness while Peace is on duty! Give up control and allow God to step in. He knows what's happening, He knows what to do, and He can do it. He isn't going to leave you (or me!).
Perhaps, as I practice giving up control and admitting my inability to control and as I learn to trust God completely with every circumstance in my life, I'll come to the point - that Charles Stanley described - where I can lie down in my bed at night and say "Hallelujah!" Why? No reason, just "Hallelujah!" God is in control. Praise God!
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(If you want to listen to some of Charles Stanley's talks... here's the website http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4943225/k.9234/Audio_Archives.htm)
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God is good.
He knows what He's doing.
I can trust Him.
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