"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."
Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)
Paul was a normal human being who, even though he was called and gifted by God, faced life's difficulties just like the rest of us. Paul told the Philippians that he had learned how to be content, no matter what was happening. Paul was specifically talking about financial support, but I believe this can apply to every area of our life. Paul was able to do the things God had called him to do because He had learned how to live a life independent of his feelings and circumstances, this is something we need to do too if we want to be successful in life.
So many people live a life of discontent, they are not satisfied with their life. The key to living a stable, happy life is found in the definition of the Greek word Paul used in Philippians 4:11 for "contentment". In the Greek language this word carries the meaning of being "independent of circumstances". This is what living a life of true contentment, a satisfied, happy life is all about. If we are dependent on some person or thing making us happy we will never be satisfied. If we put our focus on God and His Word we can live a life of stability and victory.
Deuteronomy 28:67 talks about people who because of their fear and the things happening around them would say in the morning, "I wish it was evening" and in the evening, "I wish it was morning", this is a picture of dissatisfaction, discontent. If we are thinking, "I wish this was happening", or "If that person would just act a certain way", or "If only this thing was different" we have our focus in the wrong place. People, circumstances, and our feelings will change but God and His Word do not change; this is where our focus has to be, that is what we must build our life on. This is how we can live a life of true contentment and satisfaction!
Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)
Paul was a normal human being who, even though he was called and gifted by God, faced life's difficulties just like the rest of us. Paul told the Philippians that he had learned how to be content, no matter what was happening. Paul was specifically talking about financial support, but I believe this can apply to every area of our life. Paul was able to do the things God had called him to do because He had learned how to live a life independent of his feelings and circumstances, this is something we need to do too if we want to be successful in life.
So many people live a life of discontent, they are not satisfied with their life. The key to living a stable, happy life is found in the definition of the Greek word Paul used in Philippians 4:11 for "contentment". In the Greek language this word carries the meaning of being "independent of circumstances". This is what living a life of true contentment, a satisfied, happy life is all about. If we are dependent on some person or thing making us happy we will never be satisfied. If we put our focus on God and His Word we can live a life of stability and victory.
Deuteronomy 28:67 talks about people who because of their fear and the things happening around them would say in the morning, "I wish it was evening" and in the evening, "I wish it was morning", this is a picture of dissatisfaction, discontent. If we are thinking, "I wish this was happening", or "If that person would just act a certain way", or "If only this thing was different" we have our focus in the wrong place. People, circumstances, and our feelings will change but God and His Word do not change; this is where our focus has to be, that is what we must build our life on. This is how we can live a life of true contentment and satisfaction!
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