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Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Drawing from the Source

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Jeremiah 2:13

For us who believe in Jesus, contentment should be governed by inner attitude and the decisions we make rather than by external circumstances. Because Paul had learned this secret, he was able to experience joy and peace in any kind of situation—whether he was surrounded by friends or isolated in a Roman prison; whether he had plenty or was in great need.

The apostle understood what it meant to live in Christ and to have Christ living in him (John 15:1-9; Gal. 5:22-23). He had made a simple but profound faith decision to draw his life from the Lord and, as a result, had the calm assurance that what he possessed inside could never be stolen. He was confident in his identity as a child of the Almighty, with full access to the abundant life Jesus offers.

I want to challenge you—this week, when something threatens to steal your contentment, choose to draw from God; decide to stop drawing from other sources and trying to be in control. When you find yourself becoming flustered, anxious, or angry, stop and say, “Lord, You are my source, and I draw from You the capacity to be kind. I draw from You the forgiveness I need to extend right now. I draw from You the love I need to express.” This decision is a matter of simple trust.

Watch and see how God will quiet your spirit and provide confidence when you draw only from Him as your source. You’ll be surprised at your own attitude: When you respond from within—rather than from the flesh—Jesus will give you the ability to respond as He would.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 95-102

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Charles Stanley – When We Feel Frustrated

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Philippians 4:10-13

External circumstances commonly get blamed for our feelings of irritation and anxiety. But circumstances are often simply magnifiers—events that reveal what’s already inside us. So when we find ourselves becoming short-tempered or easily worried, it is probably time to examine our hearts.

As believers, we must be keenly aware of two opposing forces: the desires of our flesh and the freedom that accompanies God’s hand of control. The limits He has set for us can be likened to freedom because they are not meant to restrict us. Rather, His wisdom brings us peace and direction. Our inherent drive to exercise our free will, however, can lead to unwise decisions, difficulties, and failures.

As we grow in spiritual maturity and realize that God can relieve the burden

of frustration in our lives, we will learn to appreciate His guidance. It is evident that the apostle Paul grasped this concept, because he wrote, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11). The fact that Paul had to learn to be content suggests a process that took place over time.

Our world is certainly not a place that guarantees a state of constant contentment. Therefore, we must learn to build our trust in the Lord, to rely upon His strength, and to have confidence in His divine will for our lives. Frustration fades only in the light of His plan for our future (Jer. 29:11). And indeed, that’s the “secret” Paul learned, which enabled him to get along in any situation—namely, that we can “do all things” through Him who strengthens [us]” (Phil. 4:13).