“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
This morning as I read this scripture I asked myself, “What does contentment really look like?” I know we all think we know what it would take to make us feel content or comfortable in life. As a society we often have trouble feeling satisfied with where we are in life. As a whole, we are depressed and unhappy. And we are raising children to feel the same.
Several years ago, a group of artists were asked to draw a picture of contentment. The winner of the contest drew a picture of a bird and her babies in a nest by a roaring waterfall. Their surroundings didn’t bother them at all; they were content to be together.
I read a quote recently that sums up this verse:
It’s not happy people who are thankful;
it’s thankful people who are happy!”
Listen to those around you in restaurants or wherever you are and you will hear voices of unhappy people. Most of them don’t thank God or anyone else.
My husband and I were out eating and overheard the conversation of a Grandma and Grandpa with their teen age granddaughter. We were shocked at her kindness and words of thanksgiving to her elders. I didn’t know her but I can confidently say because of her thankfulness she will find happiness. She was the exception today and stood out from the crowd. In the same restaurant, we heard bickering, fussing and cussing at loved ones – obviously unhappy people.
By the way, the Apostle Paul was not in a good place when he penned this passage. He was in prison!
Prayer: Lord, let me weave a thread of thankfulness and contentment in everything I do. May I always learn the art of contentment. Amen!
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
Comments are closed.