CONTENTMENT

This is the way I have to do my Bible Study in the mornings. Moving a dog's nose to turn the page.

I read this morning a quote from a book that I have read and enjoyed "Calm My Anxious Heart". The quote is from a missionary who worked in Africa with temperatures above 112. In an old diary she had wrote her prescription for contentment.

• Never allow yourself to complain about anything-not even the weather.
• Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
• Never compare your lot with another's.
• Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
• Never dwell on tomorrow-Remember that tomorrow is God's not ours.

The secret is in her last statement. Her eyes were fixed on eternity. Her tomorrows belonged to God. And because all her tomorrows were nestled in God's strong arms she was free to live today one day at a time. She could make the right choices and grow to possess the holy habit of contentment. Her focus was on eternity and her focus led to an internal contentment. Most of us base our contentment on our circumstances or our feelings or on other people. Contentment is a state of heart not a state of affairs. (also from the book--I agree but not my words)

"I am  not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me stenghth." Phil. 4:11-13

Paul wrote this while imprisoned in a dark dreay dungeon. Paul recognized that the source and strength of all Christians is God Himself. We must learn to be content.