Day 59 -Finding Contentment

“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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

Much of our struggles in life come from stuff and being discontent in life.
We long for that new cell phone that just came out and so we sacrifice to get it and when we do it’s nice for a time, but then it losing its shine.  We envy people who have “made it” professionally and so we covet what they have while we lose sight of the blessings we already possess.  We grumble and complain about situations and completely miss the little blessings God provides to us every day…or we take them for granted.

This happened to me yesterday and it brought a humbling sense of God’s presence to me.  I was having a bad morning.  It seemed nothing I could do was good enough and so my wife and I went to get coffee at a local coffee shop.  While waiting in the drive-thru for what seemed like ages, I began to complain about that.  (Have you ever noticed that negativity breeds more negativity?)  I was criticizing the car in front of us for their choice of sports teams…and just being very discontent with the way life was going that morning.  But then it happened.  It was our turn to grab our coffees at the drive-thru window and pay.  I had my wallet out and I was ready.  When I finally got up to the window, still in a huff because of my day, the drive-thru employee informed me that the car in front of me had already paid for our drinks.  Wow…that was kind of like a slap in the face to me, as if God was trying to get my attention and remind me that my contentment doesn’t come from circumstances around me.  In that moment it had nothing to do with coffee or getting something free (although that was cool), it had everything to do with my attitude and response to the things around me.

Have you been there?  
Have you allowed negativity to rule your thoughts and actions?
I know from experience I am not fun to be around when this has happened to me…and I’m sure it’s the same with you.  No one wants to hang out with angry, sullen, sour people all the time.  If we are to be men and women of faith, who are fit to be called and Sons and Daughters of the Most High, we have to change this stinkin’ thinkin’ kind of attitude!

Where does our contentment come from?  It comes from the One who gives us strength to make it through whatever circumstance and situation – good or bad.  Through it all, He remains faithful and steadfast.  He is above any problem we might be facing or will face.  He stands outside of the troubles of life and He gives to us what we need in order to see the bigger picture – WE ARE KINGDOM PEOPLE – Not of this present world but the next!  We can live out His Kingdom now and live in holy contentment because of who He is.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to keep my attitude in check today.  Help me to see the bigger picture than the temporal problems that I am facing right now.  Give me your strength so that I might reside within Your holiness.  Lead me Lord and thank you for reminding me that You are there and You will provide!  -Amen.