The Greatness of God

O Lord my God,

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all

The works Thy Hand hath made,

I see the stars,

I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow’r throughout

The universe displayed;

Carl Boberg wrote the words to this well known hymn "How Great Thou Art" in 1886. They are reminiscent of David's words in Psalm 8 - "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?"

More recently Chris Tomlin penned the words to a song that is sung weekly in churches all over. "The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty; Let all the earth rejoice; All the earth rejoice. He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide; And trembles at His voice; Trembles at His voice."

There are no words that can adequately encapsulate all that God is or sufficiently describe His greatness. Carl Boberg, David, and Chris Tomlin have all made laudable attempts but in reality the task is overwhelming. David would later write in the 143rd Psalm - "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." Perhaps the Lord Himself said it best when He inspired the prophet to write, "To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, or compare me, that we may be like?"

There is no God - like our God!

Contentment Is Learned

Philippians 4:11-13

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The same writer that penned the letter to the Corinthian church wrote the words above. "I have learned...to be content."

The Apostle had been on both ends of the spectrum and through his experiences he "learned" that contentment is not based on circumstances. His attitude was that in "whatsoever state I am" - he would be content. Contentment is often "learned." It is through good times and bad times that we learn. It is through opportunities gained and opportunities lost that we learn. Many people strive to climb another rung on the ladder of success hoping they will find fulfillment and satisfaction, but when they arrive - they "learn" it was NOT what they were looking for.

The ability to maintain a steady and contented spirit in every circumstance and situation in life is definitely not something that comes natural to us humans. It takes the grace of God. It takes a constant infusion of His influence.

Joni Eareckson Tada recently wrote a book entitled, "A Lifetime of Wisdom: Embracing the Way God Heals You." In it, she makes the following statement. "How we need this abundant, free-flowing stream! It requires a special act of grace to accommodate ourselves to every condition of life, to carry an equal temper of mind through every circumstance."

She later writes, "The New Testament word translated contentment in our English Bible means "sufficiency." I've been told that Paul uses the same Greek root here in Philippians that he does in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where he says God's grace is sufficient."

The amazing grace of God is a teacher (Titus 2:11-12). If we will allow God to teach - we can learn. That is why Paul could write - "I can do all things through Christ which strengheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).

Where is Contentment Found?

The Apostle Paul is not like a typical American. He said he was content "with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities." How odd is that? In weaknesses? During persecution? What was this guy thinking? But Paul had a series of prayer meetings that proved to be insightful. In one of these meetings, the Lord spoke to him and said, "My grace is sufficient for you..." Because of God's sufficient grace - Paul was content.

Most of us seem to think we will be able to find contentment in something we purchase. Because of this lack of understanding we are motivated to buy another car or another home looking for that feeling of fulfillment.

Ultimately, we can find what we are looking for in the power of Christ. In our times of weakness and hardship, the strength of the Lord is perfected in our lives.

That is why this man could say he found contentment. As long as he was facing trouble and insults, he understood that the grace of God would be present!

May God help us live abundant and fulfilled lives in the midst of our circumstances.

Blessings!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)

7 So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.