Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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.”

I had the mind-blowing experience one time of riding passenger down a rough mountain road, in a LandRover LR4, that I had just ascended as a passenger in a Toyota Tundra. The difference in how the two vehicles handled the terrain was simply unbelievable! The owner stated that he specifically bought it because of its ultra-sophisticated electronic suspension system, and it did not require him explaining any of it to convince me of the radical, incomparable difference!

I’m learning that the seemingly elusive “secret” of being content, experiencing peace, or finding rest - in the midst of uncertain and difficult circumstances - means that we have to upgrade our thinking to a more sophisticated system. 

FIRST, like an LR4 initially being assaulted by the rough terrain, we must honestly admit when life is tough; that the negative thoughts and feelings exist for a reason, even if they’re unwanted, and not what we hope or want them to be. 

Negative circumstances are negative, and it is imperative to acknowledge any/all pain, disappointment, anger, etc. instead of denying, minimizing, ignoring, suppressing, pretending, etc.  We need to do so without judging or condemning ourselves for not “having a better perspective,” not “being tougher,” or not “looking at it in a positive way.”

Once we’re willing and able to be totally honest and transparent (good, bad, and ugly)…

THEN, we need to be able and willing to “repent” (which simply means to “think again” or “have another thought”) of any/all thoughts that are simply not true, or the parts that are not true, despite how much we may believe them, or have a habit of assuming them without fact-checking. This includes our own, added, negative or made-up thoughts about ourselves, the situation, God, or others. 

By filtering out everything that is untrue, and replacing it with truth, we are left with reality. Nothing more and nothing less.

As it turns out, the reality is that God has much to give us by way of peace, hope, strength, encouragement, faith, character, and even rest when we are willing to live in reality, or as the Bible puts it, “in the light of truth.”

Somehow, I wrongly learned to skip the all-important first step of being brutally and unashamedly honest about what I thought and felt, regardless of how it may have sounded. I guess it was out of fear (maybe understandably) of what others might think, say, or do if I were completely honest. Or, I may have been afraid that I would stay stuck in that mindset, or (worse) it would define who I was, if I admitted any negative thoughts or feelings, as if what I think and feel day to day determines my identity. 

Regardless of the reason(s), if we are not able/willing to expose ourselves honestly and authentically, we will never be able to test and approve our thoughts, take every thought captive, confess our sins one to another, find which of the endless supply of God’s good and precious promises are available, or do any of the repentance necessary to keep growing and maturing as individuals, especially if we have the God-given task of becoming more like Christ!

In the same passage, Paul gives more insight into how this secret works for him, and encourages us to do the same…

Philippians 4:6-9 
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Like a vehicle equipped with low-grade shock absorbers and/or rigid suspension, we can continue to be jarred and rattled by the ups & downs of life, despising its inevitable rocks and potholes, and desperately demanding life go smoothly so we can finally be content. 

Or, like a luxury SUV with an onboard, state-of-the-art, computerized and sophisticated suspension system, we can learn to quickly acknowledge the negative thoughts and feelings we have in our broken state of sin and humanity, process them through the truth of God’s word and perspective, and then choose to believe and act upon what remains!

Walking my dogs is a challenge. 

They constantly try and move ahead of the pace I’m walking, stretching their dual leash and sometimes even causing themselves to cough and gag from their collars cutting off their breathing; or they stubbornly refuse to keep moving when they feel the apparently irresistible urge to stop and smell a bush or patch of grass.

I realize that following Jesus is much like this for me. How many times am I way out ahead of His lead, unaware that the difficulties I’m experiencing are likely due to my inability or unwillingness to follow at his pace? 

“Brad, I see your heart and desire to surge ahead. Let’s slow down and move at my pace.” 

Or, how often am I stuck in a situation, nose stubbornly buried in the grass or bush, convinced there is something of value or interest (at least potentially), and again unaware or unwilling to see Jesus trying to lead me out of or beyond it? 

“Brad, it’s ok to let it go. Let’s move on.” 

Abiding (or remaining) in God’s love, in John 15, is likened unto a branch being attached to a vine in order to yield fruit. I would contend that Paul is thinking a similar principle when he speaks of “walking in step with the Spirit” in Galatians 5:25, as he mentions “the fruit of the spirit” as the result.

Intentional focus upon, and a willingness to follow, the Good Shepherd is required to experience the fullness of what He has in mind for us. To the degree we understand, trust, and then obey His leading is the degree to which we remain in His love and walk in step with His Spirit.

I desire to do this daily. I want to be a follower of Christ with a “loose leash,” walking lockstep with my master in willful obedience. I can only benefit in my experience as a disciple if and when I do this. Likewise, my discipleship experience only suffers if and when I do not. 

Either way, He remains the Good Shepherd with a clear vision and purpose for my life, as well as a deeper and more wise perspective on the pace in which it will be fulfilled. 

To abide (or remain) in Him is to walk in step with His Spirit.

Lord, I thank you for being my Good Shepherd and I ask you to help me keep my focus and attention upon you, so that I can keep pace with all you have in mind and in store for me and my life. Guide me in loving discipline, utilizing the rod and staff, so that my experience in this life will bear the most fruit possible.

Amen