Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

July 16
Wednesday


FEELING
CHAINED?

READ:
Psalm 16
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I have learned in
whatever state I am,
to be content.
__Philippians 4:11
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Boethius lived in sixth-century Italy and served the royal court as a highly skilled politician. Unfortunately, he fell into disfavor with the king. He was accused of treason and imprisoned. While awaiting execution, he asked for writing materials so he could compose his reflections. Later, these became an enduring spiritual classic on consolation.

As Boethius sat in prison, pondering his bleak prospects, his faith in Christ infused his perspective: "Nothing is miserable but what is thought so, and contrariwise, every estate is happy if he that bears it be content." He understood that our view of changing circumstances and contentment is a personal choice.

The apostle Paul reinforced the idea that the way we view our circumstances is more important than the circumstances themselves. While he too was in prison, he wrote: "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phil. 4:11). Both men could be content because they drew their ultimate satisfaction from God, who never changes.

Do you feel chained to difficult circumstances? God can give you contentment. Lasting satisfaction can be found only with Him, for in His "presence is fullness of joy; at [His] right hand are pleasures forevermore" (s. 16:11). __Dennis Fisher

`````````````Lord, lead me today as You see best. use the gifts```````````````
````````````````you've given me to encourage others on `````````````````````
```````````````their journey. Help me not to compare``````````````````````
````````````````myself with others but to be content.```````````````````````
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When all you have is God, you have all you need.

*****************************Today's Bible Reading __ Psalm 16******************************

1 Preserve me, O God, for
in You I put my trust. 2 O
my soul, you have said to
the LORD, "You are my
Lord, my goodness is
nothing apart from You.


3 As for the saints who are
on the earth, "They are the
excellent ones, in whom is
all my delight.

4 Their sorrows shall be
multiplied who hasten after
another god; their drink
offerings of blood I will not
offer, nor take up their
names on my lips.

5 O LORD, you are the
portion of my inheritance
and my cup; You maintain
my lot. 6 The lines have
fallen to me in pleasant
places; yes, I have a good
inheritance.

7 I will bless the LORD who
has given me counsel; my
heart also instructs me in the
night seasons. 8 I have set
the LORD always before me;
because He is at my right
hand I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is
glad, and my glory rejoices;
my flesh also will rest in
hope. 10 For You will not
leave my soul in Sheol,
nor will You allow Your
Holy One to see corruption.

11 You will show me the
path of life; in Your
presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are
pleasures forevermore.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

David affirms that God is his protector and provider (Ps. 16:1-2).
In response to who God is, David delights in the fellowship of like-
minded believers and disassociates himself from idolatry (vv.3-4).
He depends on God's Word and celebrates the security and safety
he has in the Lord's presence, not only in this present life but also
beyond this life (vv.5-11).