IT IS WRITTEN

“The grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of God stands forever.”

Overcoming discontentment requires mental discipline.  I have found a useful scripture to help stimulate that process.

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.  Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:10-13 (NASB)

The first two things we lose when we become discontent is Peace and joy.  The Bible teaches us that peace and joy are to be fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of joy and peace; He produces them in us.

In Philippians 4:13 Paul states, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  I quote that scripture often and recently the Holy Spirit prompted me to read a little more of the context.  So, by going back a few sentences I saw that Paul said, “I have learned the secret.”  Learning is a process; we all have growing pangs.

Charles Stanley once said during a sermon that Paul was referring to his ability to be content in every circumstance, (even while in prison).  Stanley paraphrases Philippians 4:13 this way:  “I can endure any circumstance without losing my peace and my joy because of the strength I gain through my relationship with Christ.”

If we lose our peace and joy when our circumstances turn bad, the peace and joy were fruits of good circumstance and not fruits of the Holy Spirit.

“Joy is peace dancing~and peace is joy at rest.”  F. B. Meyer