“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. ”Philippians 4:12 NIV

Many people are daily devoted to making their lives more comfortable and prosperous because they think this will make them happy. However, when they acquire the things they thought would make them happy, their happiness is short lived and they feel they need more or different things to maintain their happiness. Troubles of the world also get them down and they get depressed, lonely, or bitter and think God has forgotten them.

One of the endearing qualities of the Apostles was their ability to withstand extreme adversity with gladness; knowing that they were doing it all for Christ. They were happy to bear the Lord’s cross as they spread The Word.

Paul was in prison when He was writing to the Corinthians. Now, life in prison could not have been comfortable. He felt however that he had no reason to complain because he had the most important thing; the Holy Spirit indwelling in him. The Holy Spirit gives joy and peace that cannot be explained away in terms of human circumstances. Through the Holy Spirit one also gets the strength and power to withstand troubles and temptations, and the wisdom of knowing that the comforts and troubles of the world are but for a short time and they never satisfy. They should therefore not stand in the way of the pursuit of eternity which is assured by the Holy Spirit who indwells us. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." John 16:13

Do you have the assurance that gives contentment?

Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor ~ Benjamin Franklin