content

The Apostle Paul had contentment figured out.  Right smack in the middle of one of my favorite chapters of the Bible he says, "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)  Paul's life was not easy after he became a Christian.  He was a traveling missionary, trusting God to provide for his every need.  He was shipwrecked and imprisoned, and yet, he had learned the secret of being content.

You might be asking the same question I did...what was Paul's secret?  It is found in Philippians 4:4-9, 13, and 19.  This chapter is loaded with the secrets to living a contented life and I highly recommend reading it yourself.  I read it almost daily.  Here are the Dawn highlights:

• Rejoice in the Lord always!
• Don't be anxious.
• Pray about EVERYTHING.
• Be grateful!
• Think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy.
• Be convinced (like Paul) that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
• Be convinced (like Paul) that God will meet all my needs!

I have an amazing life, but if I choose poorly, I can fall into discontent.  Life has moments when it is hard and imperfect and even hurtful, but God is always good!  It doesn't matter where I am or what is happening around me, I can always be grateful and talk to God about everything!  I am in charge of my brain and what it thinks on.  I choose to think on God's truth and throw out the lies that the enemy whispers in my ear.  I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus always and live a life of contentment!