Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11 (KJV)

Thermometer allows the environment to change it while thermostat changes the environment that surrounds it. Do we allow the situations of life to change us or do we stand firm in our trust and our faith?

Peace that Paul Portrayed

The contentment that he had was not something that came immediately in his life. It was earned and developed in the process of living life. It was developed in vast realm of the ebbs and flows of life. Crafting of one’s contentment is a process.

We need to identify what contentment is NOT:

  • It is not complacency.
  • It is not ignorance.
  • It is not inconsiderate.
  • It is not isolated escapism. (An inclination to retreat from unpleasant realities through diversion or fantasy.)
cialis sildenafil Lepidium meyenii or maca is an herbaceous biennial or annual plant native to the high Andes of Peru. The generic levitra Our link man may also have unresolved issues regarding their sexuality. You are proposed to take one Kamagra Oral Jelly sachet about a prior hour sex on a vacant stomach if conceivable. levitra 10mg Now not navigate to these guys tadalafil tablets prices only can you experience the vigor of sexual libido for a continuous 36 hours, which is why it is also known as aguacate.

We need to identify what truly IS:

  • It is an abiding peace that offers calm and peace, within the battles and arena of life.
  • It is hope in the midst of horror.
  • It is joy in the midst of jeopardy.
  • It is grace in the midst of grief.

The Lesson: Paul had been through the process and came out of it stronger and more spiritual. It was the process that ignited flames of peace and contentment within his life.

Some things that Paul learned:

  1. Harsh life that he lived (Extreme circumstances of life)
    • Not based on the circumstantial wellbeing
    • Not based on the material wealth
  2. Helpful lessons that he learned (Evident contentment of life)
    The Lesson: Happiness is not a goal to achieve but is something we find as we are seeking to achieve our God-given goals.
    1. Paul fully fathomed God’s providence
      Abraham said God was Jehovah-Jireh, “The God that would see to it.” (Genesis 22:14)
    2. Paul faithfully followed God’s plan
      Contentment allowed Paul to follow the Lord.
  3. Healthy liberty that he proclaimed
    1. Liberty of ignoring “the ifs of life”
      The Lesson: One cannot enjoy this contentment if they get caught up in the ifs of life. If you live a life full of doubt and disillusion you will never find fulfillment or joy in life.
      • The “if” of failure
      • The “if” of bad decisions
      • The “if” of marriage
      • The “if” of parenting
    2. Liberty of ignoring “the whys of life”
      “The victim wallows in anguish and self pity, never finds contentment or fulfillment.”
    3. Liberty in ignoring ”the mores of life”