【双语灵修】知足的羊CONTENTED SHEEP

腓立比书 4:12-13

我知道怎样处卑贱，也知道怎样处丰富，或饱足或饥饿，或有余或缺乏，随事随在，我都得了秘诀。 13 我靠着那加给我力量的，凡事都能做。

7月5日

知足的羊

“我知道怎样处卑贱，也知道怎样处丰富，……随事随在，我都得了秘诀。我靠着那加给我力量的，凡事都能做。” -腓 4:12-13

使徒保罗跟随主耶稣，视祂为牧者，保罗既是那位走过受迫害和险境的幽谷的人，又是那位见证众多新的耶稣追随者成为祂羊群中的一员，以使教会增长达至高峰的人。当身在牢狱时，他在给基督徒朋友的信中，写下了这个信靠和知足的宣言。他从那些以馈赠来支持他，以及与他分担忧患的信徒们中，清楚看到了主的同在和供应。

保罗发觉他能够喜乐、感恩、知足，全因为他不是孤单一人在受苦。藉着其他跟随耶稣的人的支持，他经历到神源源不绝的恩典和怜悯。当收到神在持续不断作工的信息时，他更会感到心满意足。

保罗感恩的心怀是藉着再次数算神不断对他施慈爱和怜悯而获得支持，这就是他能够知足的原因。保罗确信，这位常常带领和引导他的牧者，必定会继续这样做的。

保罗的见证提醒我们，《诗篇》第二十三篇的话语不单是一幅由文字构成的美丽图画，而是一个作为牧羊人的勇敢见证---见证这位大牧者在我们最需要的时候，以一些仍未跟随祂的人所认为难以理解的方式，供应了我们一切所需。

最近主你的牧者曾以怎样的供应和关顾，令你惊喜呢？

祷告

主啊，惟愿我们也能学习在任何境况中都知足，好叫我们去见证祢对我们的慈爱看顾。阿们。

Philippians 4:12-13

SATURDAY, JULY 5

CONTENTED SHEEP

I have learned the secret of being content in . . . every situation . . . whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. —Philippians 4:12-13

The apostle Paul was someone who followed the Lord as his shepherd through dark valleys of persecution and danger as well as to heights of church growth as new followers of Jesus became part of the Lord’s flock. Paul wrote this declaration of trust and contentment in a letter to Christian friends while he was in prison. He recognized the Lord's presence and provision through the gifts of other believers who supported him and shared in his troubles.

Paul found that he could rejoice. He could give thanks. He could be content because he was not alone in his suffering. He experienced the pursuing grace and mercy of God through the support of other Jesus-followers. When he received news of God’s continued work, that fed his soul.

In his posture of gratitude Paul was bolstered by recounting God’s continued goodness and mercy to him. And that led to contentment. Paul was assured that the shepherd who always led and guided him would continue to do so.

Paul’s testimony reminds us that the words of Psalm 23 are more than a beautiful word picture. They are a bold witness to the shepherd who supplies what we need when we need it most—and in ways that may be confusing to people who do not yet follow him.

How has the Lord your shepherd surprised you with his provision and care lately?

Lord, may we too learn to be content in any situation, that we may testify to your gracious care for us. Amen.