Philippians 4:12-13

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

I included both scripture verses today because I find it interesting how often verse 13 is quoted out of context.When Paul speaks of being able to do all things, he is talking about being content in all situations. Personally it is not always easy to be content. Sometimes things are NOT working out the way I want, but God made it clear that it is possible. I took a moment today to look up the definition of content. The first way it was defined was as "satisfied". The second way it was defined is "to appease the desires of"or "to limit (oneself) in requirements, desires, or actions". 

Prayer of the day: Lord, help me to learn the discipline of contentment. Thank you for knowing and caring for all my needs.

Philippians 4:11

Today at church Pastor spoke on contentment. This seems to be a reoccurring theme in my life. Through devotions, church, and study I see something that God is desperately trying to get through to me. Pastor gave a treasure trove of scriptures to help guide me in this study. For this reason I have to choose one and work my way through life of Paul.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.- Philippians 4:11

It was interesting to note that Pastor said contentment was a discipline that must be learned. Am I ready to learn it?

Prayer of day: (Grady) Lord, I choose to rejoice when I face difficulties, challenges and hard times. Regardless of how I feel, I will praise You and give thanks for Your goodness.

Exodus 17:2

So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”
Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?”-Exodus 17:2

Some problems can only be solved by prayer. I have chosen this week to focus on prayer. This verse specifically shows a time where prayer would have been a better response to the situation. My study Bible says this very powerful statement, " We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining."

Prayer of Day: Lord, help me to come to you and thank you for what you've done, rather than complain. I know you care for my every need and know my every desire.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?- Ecc. 5:10-11

I love what the notes included with my study Bible says about these verses. It says, "Whatever financial situation you are in, don't depend on money to make you happy." Its all about contentment, and its not an easy lesson to learn. From experience I can tell you that living on little is challenging. Its often tempting to think, "if I just made a little more, it would be better," but what I should be thinking is "how can I make the best out of this?"

Although finances are one of the biggest areas many people struggle with contentment in, the struggles are not limited. Some people struggle with "keeping up with the Jones'", others struggle in their marriage, some struggle in their career.

Finding contentment does not necessarily mean you give up hope for more or better. It means that you are happy with what you have and can see the good in what IS there. I will borrow a phrase from a fellow blogger [The Orange Rhino],  make an "at least" statement. Sometimes it takes looking at our struggle and saying something like "I may not make a lot of money, but at least I get plenty of time with my children." Or maybe your situation is "I can not afford cable right now, at least I have plenty of books." These may seem simple, but it can be useful to see everything we have, rather than what we lack.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, Thank you for all the blessings in my life. Help me to have the right attitude about my situation.