But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all thingsI have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Oh, may the day come when I cry out with Paul that I have found contentment in what ever state I find myself in. The old man in me still rears up and complains mightily about my lack of perceived necessities. Paul was existing in just a Roman dungeon. I suspect that I have no idea how miserable that dungeon could be, even at its very finest.
BTW: an excellent short paper that deals this subject is the December 2020 issue of TableTalk. by Dr. Matthew A. Dudreck, “Purifying Ourselves as Christ is Pure” The concluding sentences are riveting, “Like children who clothe themselves as their parents are clothed, believers who have this hope purify themselves as Christ is pure. They pursue holiness even now because they know who they are and whom they will be like. They are eager to grow up. They just can't wait.”
Reading.
Morning Psalm 26, Noon Psalm 119:73-80, Evening Psalm 118
