A gentleman going along a small country road, met another man to whom he courteously wished, “Good morning!”
“I have never had a bad one!” replied the man. “That is good, I hope that you will always be so fortunate.”
“I am never unfortunate.” was the reply.
“Well, I wish you may always be happy!” “I am never unhappy either.” said the man.
“I wish,” said the gentleman, “that you would explain yourself.”
“That I will certainly do. I never had a bad morning, for every morning I praise God! If it rains or snows; whether it be bright or stormy, I am still thankful to God. You wished that I might always be so fortunate, but I cannot be unfortunate, for nothing befalls me, but according to the will of God. And His will is always good, in whatever He does or permits to be done. You wished me always to be happy, but I cannot be unhappy while I am doing the will of God, and as long as His peace rules in my heart!”
Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
When Paul wrote the book of Philippians, including the part we just read and “…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am…”, he was in prison!
The closer we get to God, and the more we depend ENTIRELY upon Him, the more we can say with Paul – “whatever happens, doesn’t matter. I trust God!”
That doesn’t mean that everything that happens in our life will be “fun”. Unfortunately, there are trials and difficulties we face in this life. That’s all part of living in this world. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Notice, He said “IN ME”. In this world, there will be times of trouble, BUT as long as we are abiding in Him, and faithfully trusting Him, we can have peace even in the midst of those difficult times, knowing that God is still in control.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
This world can never know that kind of peace and joy. Only those who completely trust IN God.