The Secret Of Contentment

Contentment and Satisfaction

1 Timothy 6:6  KJV 
 "But godliness with contentment is great gain".

The Bible says that godliness accompanied with contentment is great and abundant gain. What I take from that is, a godly person who is content is in the very best place he can possibly be.

Joy doesn't come from having your circumstances in order and under control; it comes from what's in your heart. For example, the world is full of people who have what they think they want, and they're still not happy. In fact, some of the most unhappy people in the world are people who seem to "have it all."

Contentment is not about fame or being well-known, how much money you have, your position at work or your social circle. It's not found in your level of education or what side of the tracks you were born on. Contentment is a heart attitude.

There's nobody happier than a truly thankful person, a truly content person. The word content means 'being satisfied to the point where nothing disturbs you no matter what's going on, but not satisfied to the point that you never want any change.'

We all want to see things get better. But where you are right this minute doesn't have to disturb you. You can choose to believe that God is working and things are changing, and you will see the result of it in due time.

Life is all about the choices we make, so choose contentment and satisfaction every single day of your life. You won't go wrong when you do.

Christ Who Strengthens You

Philippians 4:13 is a very popular scripture that is often quoted out of context. It says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

That doesn't mean you can just do anything you decide to do because you want to do it. Paul was talking specifically about how he was able, through the power of Christ, to be content no matter what his circumstances were.

I do believe that, by God's grace, we can do whatever we need to do in life. I think that's a mindset we need to have. There's nothing that's too much for you if you're trusting God. You can handle whatever comes your way because God promises that He'll never put more on us than we can bear and deal with.

Keep a positive attitude no matter where you are right now, no matter what's going on in your life. Keep your chin up, God is on your side. Stop being upset about things you can't do anything about.

God wants you to know that He has an individual plan for your life, and He wants you to accept His unique plan for you and not compare your plan with anybody else's. You have to trust God knows more about what you need and what you can handle than you do. After all, He knows you better than you know yourself!

I want my contentment to come from  the Lord. Not from my circumstances, not from my current situation, not from the things that I have or do not have. But just to be content in the Lord where ever I am in this life.

If we keep our eyes open we can see every day that God has a plan for each of our lives in different ways. His way is always the perfect way.

God, Give me the strength to choose to be content every single day. Amen!

Picture Post

Raise Your Voice to The Lord in Song

On Guard Duty

Out of Your Heart

Proverbs 4:23  KJV 
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life".

Proverbs 4:23 says to guard your heart "for it determines the course of your life" (NLT). Think about that. Whatever's in your heart is eventually going to show up in your everyday life. Whatever's inside will eventually find its way out, where anyone and everyone can see it.

That alone makes it extremely important to monitor the things we allow to shape our hearts. I don't want something nasty, sinful, and selfish finding its way out and damaging my relationships with God and with those around me, and I doubt you do either.

A large part of guarding your heart means learning how to control your thoughts, your words, your disposition and your general outlook. What you think usually comes out in what you say. What you say affects how you feel, and that shows up in your overall attitude.

In the course of everyday life, this is what determines how you handle your circumstances, whether you'll have peace or fall apart in a stressful situation. It governs how you respond to others, either with compassion and understanding or with judgment and arrogance, especially when you disagree with them!

You can try and keep your inner thoughts from altering your words and attitudes, but I find it's much easier to have godly thoughts to begin with. Spend time in God's presence, and let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with His goodness.

I only want my heart to be filled with thoughts and desires that are from the Lord Jesus. As I spend more time in His presence and focus solely on Him, I know that my heart will change for the better, affecting the rest of my life in godly ways.  Won't you join me today in changing your heart for the better?

JOY

Contentment and Joy

Psalms 16:5-11  NKJV 

5  O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
     You maintain my lot.

6  The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
     Yes, I have a good inheritance.

7  I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
     My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.

8  I have set the Lord always before me;
     Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

9  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
     My flesh also will rest in hope.

10  For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
        Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

11  You will show me the path of life;
        In Your presence is fullness of joy;
        At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.




David's heart was glad - he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles.

Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God's presence within us.

As we contemplate His daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future He has for us, we will experience joy.
Don't base your life on circumstances, but on God. Your circumstances will change but God never will.