I Timothy 6: 6 (NIV)
Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.The apostle Paul tells us in Phillipians 4: 11b (NIV) "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." In Scripture, the words for happiness and contentment are often interchangeable. To be happy then, is to be content.
In this passage, Paul goes on to say that he has learned the art of contentment whether he is well fed or hungry, whether he has needs or all his needs are met. The secret of Paul's contentment is revealed in verse 13, which says "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." For this verse, I actually prefer the old King James Version translations which says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Herein lies the secret that so many people are searching for in this day. How can I be happy? What more must I acquire to feel good about myself? When will I have ENOUGH to make me happy? THINGS will never fulfill us.
We have a God-vacuum within us that only He can fill. Once we put God in His proper place in our lives, we can begin to see His other creations in their proper perspective. When we do that, we find ourselves CONTENT. When we accept that only He can give us what our soul needs, what our heart searches for, can we know real contentment. Psalms 42: 1-2a (NIV) puts it like this "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."
My prayer for you today is that you will find God precious to your soul. That you will know the peace only His love can afford. For I know that, once you do, you can begin a journey of real CONTENTMENT in your life. May the Lord guide your footsteps and hold your heart secure as you journey.
6 comments:
Diane:
I so love this you clever girl! And do I want so much to be Content, a lovely message.
The Raggedy Girl
Hi, Di..
This is something we all want...contentment and peace.
xo bj
i only read part of your post.i'll go back and finish.what i have read is excellent.
hey,i have been thinking.oh dear--that can be so dangerous.
i have a friend i have known for awhile.i truly believe you and her quite possibly just might like each other ALOT.
you both value the same things in life.The Lord first etc....i just left her blog.i left her your addy.i do hope i don't wind up with both of you mad at me.
but isn't blogging why we're here?to meet few friends?and such?
well,like you,she is a kind soul.i told her also,go visit her blog.check her out.i may be wrong.i have been a few times.ha.she doesn't even have to know you are there.
if nothing else,you will find some WONDERFUL recipes.she is an awesome chef.
http://foodiemonologues.blogspot.com/
this is her.let me know.if i hear nothing,i'll think you are BOTH mad.
well,i went back and read it.WOW.you missed your calling.you should teach or preach .well,i guess thats just what you are doing isn't it?
awesome honey.awesome......ann
Diane,
When are you going to write a book ??? You should be a writer, I know you get tired of me telling you tha have told you this, but You are truly gifted !
Such a heart-warming post. Things
can never fulfill voids and wants,
it must be Jesus. I am so thankful,
I am saved by the grace of God and can go to prayer when feeling discontent and discourage.
Hugs and blessings to you, have a wonderful,Saturday !
I agree, you should definitely teach!
And I am certainly looking forward to more of this series.
Yes, contentment cannot be found in things...that's where this world is confused. Only God can fill our souls...He gives strength, joy, peace
and CONTENTMENT. He is what the world is looking for...He can fill that void!
~hugs~
Post a Comment