Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:11
As the summer slides along, I still find myself having to deal with feelings of tiredness and exhaustion...
in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:11
As the summer slides along, I still find myself having to deal with feelings of tiredness and exhaustion...
The hot, humid weather doesn't help. And friends will often ask me if the housing areas and the chapel are air-conditioned. Unfortunately, no. Yet I could definitely use a six-month sabbatical with the opportunity to get refreshed and rejuvenated, and where I could devote myself more completely to my Bible studies, and for writing. But thus far this remains just wishful thinking on my part. There is no relief in sight.
I am not complaining, however. I truly am trying to learn contentment, even in my weary condition. My faith is as strong as ever. But I am in need of rest.
And as I look at the life of the apostle, Paul, I've begun to think that the Lord had allowed Paul to experience periods of imprisonment - he'd get put in prison for preaching the Gospel - so that he could get some rest. In other words, while the world persecuted Paul for his public preaching, God allowed him to be locked-up and confined for a time to give him the opportunity to recuperate.
Judging from the biblical accounts about his life and ministry, the apostle Paul could possibly be considered what in today's terms would be a "workaholic." He was always a man "On the go." As the Scriptures reveal, Paul was forever on the move in his search for souls to give the gospel to, or in search of fellow Christians to whom he would hope to encourage by reminding them to remain steadfast and strong in their faith, and pure in their conduct.
In my observation, Paul was a man who found it difficult to stay still for long. For him, resting was unthinkable. It went against his nature as a man of fervor, determination and zeal. So the Lord, in His wisdom, sometimes allowed the apostle to experience physical confinement for a season.
Interestingly, to support this theory, I recently discovered that the word 'rest' makes up part of the word, "arrested." Yes, God knew how to make Paul rest, and He will do the same for any of His children whenever He deems it necessary. As the Scripture says, "He makes me to lie down in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2a).
D.B.
I am not complaining, however. I truly am trying to learn contentment, even in my weary condition. My faith is as strong as ever. But I am in need of rest.
And as I look at the life of the apostle, Paul, I've begun to think that the Lord had allowed Paul to experience periods of imprisonment - he'd get put in prison for preaching the Gospel - so that he could get some rest. In other words, while the world persecuted Paul for his public preaching, God allowed him to be locked-up and confined for a time to give him the opportunity to recuperate.
Judging from the biblical accounts about his life and ministry, the apostle Paul could possibly be considered what in today's terms would be a "workaholic." He was always a man "On the go." As the Scriptures reveal, Paul was forever on the move in his search for souls to give the gospel to, or in search of fellow Christians to whom he would hope to encourage by reminding them to remain steadfast and strong in their faith, and pure in their conduct.
In my observation, Paul was a man who found it difficult to stay still for long. For him, resting was unthinkable. It went against his nature as a man of fervor, determination and zeal. So the Lord, in His wisdom, sometimes allowed the apostle to experience physical confinement for a season.
Interestingly, to support this theory, I recently discovered that the word 'rest' makes up part of the word, "arrested." Yes, God knew how to make Paul rest, and He will do the same for any of His children whenever He deems it necessary. As the Scripture says, "He makes me to lie down in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2a).
D.B.
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