We often hear the question asked casually: “How are you doing?”

If it’s nothing more than a conversation starter, we brush it off. But for a follower of Jesus, there’s a door of opportunity in that question.

Yes, in light of the promise of Jesus that “I came that you might have life and that you may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b), the prospects are all good!

But on a personal level, our perceptions can vary widely.

We may not have a strong daily awareness of how the Lord applies that promise in our own very personal circumstances.

So, for God’s glory and our own good, it’s worth pushing on that a bit: How are you this morning? How would you, honestly, describe your outlook on life?

It’s possible, of course, to have strongly competing emotions. But usually, there’s a “winner” in the contest for our outlook on life.

So, how is it?

Overwhelmingly positive?

Happily adventurous?

Cautiously optimistic?

Quietly curious?

Or is it more of a negative view ~ Do you feel like you’re tiptoeing into tomorrow? Are you drifting? Leaning toward apathy – or even a bit gloomy?

It’s fascinating to realize what a variety of feelings can be among people of similar circumstances.

A trite old saying goes: “Two men were imprisoned, living behind steel bars – one saw only mud, the other explored the stars.”

In one of several imprisonments of the Apostle Paul, he lit a bright lantern of truth in the dungeon of his circumstances with these words:

Somehow, a capacity to hold a bright bold view of God’s promises stirred his energy even when Paul felt “stuck” by harsh limitations.

The paradox presented in Philippians 4 is not based on Paul’s personality. Clearly, his perfectionism as a Pharisee, in his younger years, could have snared him permanently and scarred him internally. It couldn’t have been his popularity either: Devious opponents who misquoted, misunderstood and misrepresented Paul could easily have stolen his momentum.

No, the issue is one of internal energy – a power source made possible by knowing that (in Paul’s words):

That internal source is still bursting at the seams in our time. It’s nothing less than the dynamic presence of our risen King. He revives our outlook with fresh energy and zeal upon request. That clarity so often need starts by simply asking: “Lord what would you have me to do?”

In His faithful love and supreme shepherding guidance, the Giver of abundant life made the keys for contentment crystal clear to the Apostle Paul. And this is so cool: what was true for him is absolutely true for YOU!

Promises like these ~~ John 10:10 and Philippians 4:11-13 are far more than golden nuggets of inspiration.

They are practical, real-world principles that serve as sign-posts in our walk with God. Contentment isn’t complacency. It’s a deep-seated assurance that God’s goodness surrounds and sustains us in ways that surpass any current complication we’re facing in life.

Those timeless words, saturated in the power of Christ’s resurrection life, are designed for daily use!

No special training is required to take God’s promises to heart. Today’s tests are real in every believer’s journey. Life-giving truths await our discovery with the fresh force of a bold renewed faith on days like this one!

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