TRUE CONTENTMENT

What a great day.

Today just happens to be "Thanksgiving Day".

It is cold and rainy.  But by the Grace of God, we 

live in a comfortable house and though we are old

and have lived longer than most people, still able to

get around without a lot of pain and discomfort.

God gave me a good nights sleep last night.  Then

my wonderful wife prepared us a delicious breakfast.

After a great meal like that a good nap is required by

this old man.

When I awoke from a real good nap it was quite and

peaceful.  Very comfortable laying there in the recliner.

Now it just does not get any better than that for an old

man who is tired of all the drama of life.

Reaching over for my Bible I turned to the book of 

Philippians on purpose.  You see, the book of 

Philippians is one of the most inspiring and encouraging

books to read in the Bible.  After reading only a few verses

the Apostle Paul said, "... in my imprisonment..."  WOW!

It was real easy for me to lay there and feel content with

life.  But Paul was in prison in chains when he wrote

that extremely encouraging book.

What is the difference between the Apostle Paul and us?

We have to face the fact that most of us live our lives for

ourselves.  Our every thought and action is about getting or

being what we want for ourselves.  I know, we want things

for other people, our children, friends etc.  But it is still

about us and our desires.

But the Apostle Paul's life was totally and completely

given over to Jesus Christ.  In one place Paul tells us

that he "... takes very thought into captivity for Christ."

That is way Paul was able to be content - even when 

in chains in prison.  He was able near the close of his

epistle to the Philippians say;

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned

how to be content with what ever I have.  I know

how to live on almost nothing or with everything.

I have learned the secret of living in every situation,

whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with 

plenty or little.  For I can do everything through

Christ, who gives me strength."  

(Philippians 4:10 - 13 NLT)