Two last questions

Hey Everyone,
Thanks so much for participating in this blog! We tried this three years ago and had 1 person post something and 4 people view it in total. . . on this blog we had 1800 page views in the month, so that's great and we hope it was helpful for you.

Two last questions:
1) What was your favourite verse in the book?
2) What are you planning on reading next?

Thanks friends  ....

Rob

Content? Phil 4:12

Renée here. Enjoy the snow day. I enjoy how it slows everyone down.

I’ve been marinating in this verse from Philippians 4:12 “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.”

Here’s some of the directions my thoughts have gone on this:

What a beautiful way to live – contentment. And this contentment is clearly not circumstantial. How do I tend to base my contentment on circumstantial things? How do I gage how I’m doing and even others are doing? So often it’s easy to base our contentment on circumstances – having stuff, things going smoothly, the kids/youth behaving, having money in the bank, people liking us... 

What’s Paul’s secret?

It’s clearly none of these things.

I think verse 13 is a clue – he knew no matter the circumstances his strength came from God.

The rest of Paul’s writings are also a clue. He so clear knew his security was in Christ. His contentment came from knowing who He was in Christ – it didn’t matter what other people thought, it didn’t matter his circumstances – in Christ He knew who He was, He had everything He’d ever need, He was loved and secure forever.

OK – so if we really want deep down contentment it comes from building this kind of knowledge and intimacy in our relationship with Christ.

Where do I look for contentment?

What false pursuits of contentment do I need to give up?

How can I take steps to pursue true, deep contentment in Christ?

I’d really appreciate hearing others insights on this verse and the idea of contentment.