11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
The above scripture was written by the Apostle Paul. I don't know all the details of what was going on with my man Paul when he penned this letter but I'm guessing his current duties were at times very challenging. Being thrown in jail for preaching the "Good News" was probably not his idea of fun times. But somehow he was content in spite of whatever he was going through. While that seems pretty simple, I admit it's a concept my over-thinking mind just could not grasp until very recently. The choice to be content aka happy regardless of my circumstances just didn't jive with me. How could I possibly be happy in this miserable relationship? Me be happy in this dead-end job? How exactly am I supposed to find contentment in being mentally and financially broke? And let's not talk about happiness when my mother just died! In my mind, the only thing I could choose to do was to be well unhappy. I resigned myself to the fact that this was the lousy hand I was dealt and my true reward will come when I leave this earthly body. This is what has been told to me since I can remember. Basically your miserable life is your miserable life...so deal. Ummm can I get real for a minute and say that is some straight up bull!! Even if I did not believe in God and the Word this way of thinking was no longer making a lick of sense to me.
Maybe it's our human sense of entitlement that we feel that happiness is a right we are due and it should come easily without much thought or effort. We surround ourselves with the latest and greatest of everything that only temporarily scratch the "somethings missing in my life" itch. Then it's no surprise we find ourselves in a cycle of If I only had (insert latest desire) I would be happy blues.
Realizing that another retail therapy trip wasn't gonna make me feel any better I finally had to ask myself "What's the key to unlock the life I wanted? " After much geeky research into the human mind, deep meditation, and fervent prayer I soon began to see that the key is a simple choice. Each day I have the power to choose if I will be happy no matter what comes my way or continue to be a victim to my circumstances. No amount of "stuff" or people will ever be able to give me true happiness. As cliche as it sounds my happiness does come from inside and its mines to go after.
I'm slowly learning and confidently believe that like the Apostle Paul, I too can learn to be content in any situation. For I can do ALL (not some) things through my Creator who gives me amazing strength. I just have to CHOOSE to do so.
Be Blessed and Encouraged,
W.o.W MUA <3
The above scripture was written by the Apostle Paul. I don't know all the details of what was going on with my man Paul when he penned this letter but I'm guessing his current duties were at times very challenging. Being thrown in jail for preaching the "Good News" was probably not his idea of fun times. But somehow he was content in spite of whatever he was going through. While that seems pretty simple, I admit it's a concept my over-thinking mind just could not grasp until very recently. The choice to be content aka happy regardless of my circumstances just didn't jive with me. How could I possibly be happy in this miserable relationship? Me be happy in this dead-end job? How exactly am I supposed to find contentment in being mentally and financially broke? And let's not talk about happiness when my mother just died! In my mind, the only thing I could choose to do was to be well unhappy. I resigned myself to the fact that this was the lousy hand I was dealt and my true reward will come when I leave this earthly body. This is what has been told to me since I can remember. Basically your miserable life is your miserable life...so deal. Ummm can I get real for a minute and say that is some straight up bull!! Even if I did not believe in God and the Word this way of thinking was no longer making a lick of sense to me.
Maybe it's our human sense of entitlement that we feel that happiness is a right we are due and it should come easily without much thought or effort. We surround ourselves with the latest and greatest of everything that only temporarily scratch the "somethings missing in my life" itch. Then it's no surprise we find ourselves in a cycle of If I only had (insert latest desire) I would be happy blues.
Realizing that another retail therapy trip wasn't gonna make me feel any better I finally had to ask myself "What's the key to unlock the life I wanted? " After much geeky research into the human mind, deep meditation, and fervent prayer I soon began to see that the key is a simple choice. Each day I have the power to choose if I will be happy no matter what comes my way or continue to be a victim to my circumstances. No amount of "stuff" or people will ever be able to give me true happiness. As cliche as it sounds my happiness does come from inside and its mines to go after.
I'm slowly learning and confidently believe that like the Apostle Paul, I too can learn to be content in any situation. For I can do ALL (not some) things through my Creator who gives me amazing strength. I just have to CHOOSE to do so.
Be Blessed and Encouraged,
W.o.W MUA <3