Secret of Contentment?

Always be on the lookout for anything that takes your “peace” away, and then ask God to reveal what’s going on inside the hidden chambers of your soul.
*  “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”Psalm 42:5
* We all have our days when the sun is shining bright, but we are gloomy inside. However, the psalmist gives a suggestion! Put your Hope in God! I know that’s easier said than done, but with practice and prayer we will become far greater at putting our Hope in God!

What’s the Secret of Contentment?
After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul had much to learn about salvation and following Christ.
Throughout Paul’s life, the apostle shared what he was discovering. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he wrote about a very important life lesson –
“The secret of being content”.

What kind of life do you think brings contentment?
*You might assume it is one with few troubles or great success.
*You may want good health, financial security, and a loving family.
* Paul’s life was not at all like this. He was in danger from both his own countryman and the opposition (2 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Sometimes the people listened, but more often, they were hostile to his message. He also had a “thorn in the flesh” which God refused to remove (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
And Paul even spent considerable time in prison, chained to a guard. Yet he boldly wrote, ” I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation”. (Philippians 4:12).
* In other words, he never allowed himself to get upset with where he was at the moment, he was always looking forward to where he could be.

**The Secret Paul discovered was to live on the basis of his Position IN the Lord, not his Feelings.(Lord Help me daily here-let me see you First in all things).

* As God’s child, Paul knew he was spiritually rich – “blessed . . . with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3) because he had a loving Father and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
***Be spirit led, not emotionally driven.

Contentment in our media-driven age is hard to find and harder to keep. There’s always something newer, bigger, or better to buy and someone else who has what you want.
* When you feel unsatisfied, try basing your response on your position as a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17) rather than feelings.
***Help others reach their dreams and you will reach yours.
*Live by the new reality. Our home is not on earth.

Don’t be afraid to tackle tasks beyond your realm of familiarity, for the Lord will guide you through and give you the wisdom necessary to accomplish what He has set you to do.  The Lord will show you what to do and how to do it and connect you with the right people who can help you.  Go forth with confidence and boldness.
* Psalms 138:3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.

*GOD IS HIS WORD; faithful and true. He has magnified His word above His name. Has He spoken and not brought to pass that which He has spoken? Psalm 138:3 is true unto me. God hears when I cry unto Him. He answers my prayers. His word is my strength. He will indeed perfect that which concerns me. In Him I hope and I know, in Him, I will never be ashamed.
“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6

Father, I pray this morning that you would help me to internalize and integrate today’s message in a very real way in my life.  I ask that you will hold me accountable when I find myself struggling to measure up to the expectations of men, rather than accepting the calling of Christ.
Lord, I pray that you will continue to soften my heart oh God, so that I will be real, genuine, Content and open to your leading in my life. Thank you for all you do for me, for sustaining me, upholding me, and giving me a reason to make it through the hardest of days. Thank you, God for everything you do for me.
May all we do and say bring YOU glory…. may people see You Jesus, IN us.
I love you, amen.