CONTENTMENT

Living Our Best Life

Philippians 4: 11- 13 (KJV)

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Recently, the Lord gave me Philippians 4:13, through the voice of the Holy Spirit, for me to read. I was unaware of what the verse said before I looked it up. It is a verse that most believers are familiar with. I had been experiencing some challenges with my mobility. As a result, I had limited myself in terms of what I felt I could do. This verse made me feel that I could do anything that was necessary. A few weeks later, I prayed with Kenneth Copeland as he ministered at a conference. The prayer was specifically targeted to those of us who were suffering physical changes due to the aging process.

I had been walking with a cane. I was also afraid of falling and felt the cane was a hedge against that happening. After praying, I decided to walk without the cane and have been walking without it for the past several days. My legs feel strengthened and well able to take me wherever I need to go. Praise the Lord!

In Philippians, Paul is not saying we should not strive to excel, to go beyond our present circumstances, what he is saying is basically “enjoy the journey”. We should not wait until we receive the things we desire before we praise God; we should praise Him for what we have now. Focusing on what we have not yet achieved takes away the joy of what we currently possess.

It is a waste to spend one’s life without joy because we have not yet attained a goal. A spirit of gratitude is helpful in causing us to feel joy. As we are thankful and praise God, we create the mindset needed to accomplish our goals, with His help.