"It means to be happy with what you have and not always wanting something else," I told her. She must have been satisfied with that response because she didn't question me further.
And then I found myself mulling it over for some reason. Days later, and the word still rolls around and around in the back of my mind.
Contentment.
Paul speaks of it in terms of knowing a secret. And it is a secret. A rarely unearthed secret.
"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." (Philippians 4:12)
In every situation.
If the status of my soul does not depend on my siutation, then what does it depend on? My eyes drift upward on the page, searching, digging for the secret.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:4-9)
Rejoice. The Lord is near. Present your requests. Think about such things. The God of peace will be with you.
What a treasure to unearth! My contentment does not depend on my situation, it depends on where I center my thoughts. I do not revolve around my circumstances; they revolve around my God. And my God is near.
I love Him for that.
