SECRET OF CONTENTMENT
For I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. Phil 4:11-12 AMP
God’s Word provides us with a powerful secret that will enable us to run our race well. We can learn to be content in the midst of our trials. When we learn the secret of contentment, we can endure the race for the long haul!
Contentment means to be satisfied to the point where you are not disturbed or disquieted.
Paul said he “learned” to be content in whatever the circumstance. Contentment didn’t come naturally to Paul and I don’t think it comes naturally to any of us but it can be done!
What makes these verses so powerful is the circumstances Paul was under when he wrote them. He wasn’t writing from his couch, being served grapes, while being fanned in a Greek resort. He was sitting in prison, under terrible circumstances, being persecuted for his faith.
Contentment is found in the presence of Jesus, not in the absence of circumstances. Contentment isn’t found in better jobs, more things, different relationships or substances. It is found in Christ alone – nothing more, nothings less, nothing else!
True contentment isn’t found in external circumstances, but instead with our internal dependence on Jesus and our knowing that he is working on our behalf.
When discontentment pops its ugly head up into our minds, it’s a warning that we have taken our focus off of Jesus and put it onto our circumstances. When this happens instantly make a correction; place your focus on Jesus. Christ in you is at work and his work is unstoppable!
Declaration to Life: I declare the Word over my life today, “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances!”
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