Paul wrote …I have learned in whatsoever state that I am therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11)
Does being content mean that we do not have goals and aspirations? Not at all…being content gives us the ability to enjoy where we are today. It allows me to be grateful for my present blessings. Contentment is the basis for peace of mind.
Paul wrote that he could abound or be abased yet be content (Philippians 4:12). So, we see that contentment comes from inside and is not determined by outside circumstances. It is a state of mind. We all have things to be grateful for. Our outlook on life determines our level of contentment. If we decide that we cannot be content until a certain thing occurs, we will miss out on having peace of mind today.
I have promises from the Lord that have yet to materialize. However, I know that these things will not give me inner peace, if I continue to postpone my enjoyment of life until the promises are fulfilled. The fulfillment of these promises has to be the icing on the cake. The cake being all the things that I am presently grateful for.
Our peace and happiness are not given to us by the world. It is given to us by the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit never changes, when we walk in the Spirit, we will experience all the attributes of the Spirit. He will spread these attributes abroad in our hearts. Jesus has called us to rest. When we rest in Him as a child rests confident in the care and provision of a parent, we will live a life filled with peace and expectancy.