In Paul’s letter from a roman jail to the church he makes the astonishing statement:

Philippians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content

This week end as I was walking with my grandson I took several pictures of some birds who were flocking around tree branch just above our heads. They didn’t seem much disturbed by our approach or our voices as we watched them. On closer examination I discovered that they were perfectly content right where they were because they were surrounded by the abundance of seeds in the ash tree where they perched.

Paul found himself “perched” in prison but he had discovered contentment. He saw around him the opportunity to share the gospel, a place for prayer and most importantly for us a place to write a good portion of what we call the New Testament!

Where have you found yourself perched today? Can you see the provision that God has  deposited abundantly in the branches around you? Every place has its own season of abundance. Every restriction focuses us on what we can still do. Every unwanted change, every circumstance beyond our control and every unexpected sorrow draws us closer to our Savior whose promises never change, who never lets us go and whose presence gives us comfort through every storm

Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely
and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is he;
His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me   Civilla Martin “His Eye is on the Sparrow”