Be content
Wednesday 26th September 2018
'I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.' Philippians 4:11 NIV
Discontentment. It stops us from feeling joy and living life to the full. The Bible says we must learn to be content 'whatever the circumstances' (Philippians 4:11 NIV). This can be hard. We see what other people have or have achieved and want the same. When we start comparing our lives to others' lives, discontentment finds its way in and causes us to forget all the blessings and gifts God has given us. Discontentment clouds all the good and makes us think our lives are not good enough. Contentment, on the other hand, recognises all the good, despite the negatives or lack of.
There'll always be people who have more than us, but there will also be people who have less. What we choose to focus on will determine our level of contentment. Our possessions, achievements and relationships shouldn't define who we are.
Paul wrote: 'I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity...I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me' (Philippians 4:11-13 GWT). When we're focused on our identity in Christ, rather than what we do or don't have, we leave no room for discontentment in our lives.
So what now? Write down 10 things that you see as blessings from God in your life. Whenever you start feeling discontented, read your list and thank God for those things.
Wednesday 26th September 2018
'I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.' Philippians 4:11 NIV
Discontentment. It stops us from feeling joy and living life to the full. The Bible says we must learn to be content 'whatever the circumstances' (Philippians 4:11 NIV). This can be hard. We see what other people have or have achieved and want the same. When we start comparing our lives to others' lives, discontentment finds its way in and causes us to forget all the blessings and gifts God has given us. Discontentment clouds all the good and makes us think our lives are not good enough. Contentment, on the other hand, recognises all the good, despite the negatives or lack of.
There'll always be people who have more than us, but there will also be people who have less. What we choose to focus on will determine our level of contentment. Our possessions, achievements and relationships shouldn't define who we are.
Paul wrote: 'I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity...I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me' (Philippians 4:11-13 GWT). When we're focused on our identity in Christ, rather than what we do or don't have, we leave no room for discontentment in our lives.
So what now? Write down 10 things that you see as blessings from God in your life. Whenever you start feeling discontented, read your list and thank God for those things.
