“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12)
Have you ever looked around at your life and thought, “Things will be better once I…?” Maybe you fill that blank in with lose weight, land my dream job, get married, or get a bigger house.
How often do we tie our happiness to the circumstances that surround us? We let our spouse, our boss, our family, our friends, and our checkbooks dictate our level of contentment.
But contentment is not dependent on physical things. It comes from mental and spiritual peace.
Every time a World Happiness Report is put out, we are amazed by which countries score highest because they’re not the ones we expect. The United States ranked 18th in the most recent one. Israel, a country that is surrounded by enemies and experiences regular attacks, is 11th.
My point is that despite material wealth, power, and relative safety, Americans (and others) are not as content as those with less. Why?
We look for peace in external things, never thinking to look inward. To reach for God, to satisfy our heart and soul. Contentment can’t be found in food or vice or money. It comes from God, from being satisfied with what we are given.
As you go through this week, consider what is making you happy, and what is not. You may find that donating food to a food bank brings more happiness to your heart than a meal at a 5-star restaurant. You may realize that a staycation with your family is more fun than an expensive cruise.
If you stop striving, pushing, and wanting, if you trust in God and have faith that He will take care of you in just the right time with just the right amount, then you will know contentment in your life.
Have a wonderful Monday!
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