Content

I have found it to be a difficult thing to be content these days.  From the everyday circumstances in my immediate environment to the outside world that seems to be "rolling downhill like a snowball headed for hell." (Merle Haggard). It is tough to find contentment.  I just read a verse from the book of Phillippians chapter 4.  It is verse 11 and it goes like this: "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (NAS). Taming the mind and the flesh is very difficult, and I know that Paul struggled with it, but how did he find it amid all of his trials?  Phillippians 4:12-14 NAS "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him (God) who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction." It appears that Paul's focus was on God.  Regardless of the circumstances, Paul just seemed not to let those things lead him to despair when he suffered or forget God when he prospered.  When I read that, I thought "man I want to be like that!"  Well, if God is the center, the vision, and the value of life, everything else is just window dressing.  The trials of life coupled with the abundance of life have no meaning without God.  It is really all vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2).  Trust in the Lord, and you will find contentment regardless of the situation.

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