In which state are you living? I don’t mean physical state, but your current mental state.
Many years ago, the Lord shared a profound truth: “The thoughts you dwell on determines the mental world you live in.”
“Dwell” doesn’t mean a passing visit; it is your habitual residence.
Some people live in states of depression, anxiety, or anger. If so, their thoughts are “furnishing” those residences!
Today, let’s focus on a state where the apostle Paul lived: The state of Contentment.
He talked about that state in Philippians 4:13:
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
When I review this scripture, I usually focus on the last line: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
However this morning, another phrase stood out that encouraged me greatly: “…for I have learned (emphasis mine)…”
“Learn” means that finding contentment was a skill that Paul LEARNED!
He wasn’t always content, but he learned to practice contentment in whatever circumstances he faced.
What is Contentment? A feeling of contentment means, “In a state of peaceful happiness, satisfaction.”
I actually just thought of a truth even more powerful. The word “content” has an alternate meaning when it is pronounced CON-tent: “the things that are held or included in something.”
We can be content in knowing that the Lord holds us, that we are in HIM!” Consider this scripture:
for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’
Ask the Lord in prayer today: “Lord, teach us contentment and courage, knowing that you are with us in every situation! Help us to practice living, moving, and having our being in You each day.
We understand that “be” means “to breathe, to exist, and to inhabit.”
Lord, help us to make it a daily habit of acknowledging You as we breathe, knowing that You are with us and direct our path in every situation.”
What are your thoughts? I would love to hear anything that the Lord is speaking to you from this devotional.
Be Blessed in Health, Healing, and Wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Author and Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple program
P.S. Are you drowning in stress? If so, you are not alone!
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