On one of the lovely Springlike days last week, I took a break from my work and walked alone in my yard. I filled my birdfeeder and listened to the singing birds. Then I went to check out my plants to see what was sprouting up with new life. As I felt the warm sun on my face, it dawned on me this was what contentment feels like.

I am ashamed that I do not allow myself to feel contentment more often. Life is not all singing birds and flowers, and there are many days that the sun does not shine. Still I know I can do better.

Do you ever find yourself not enjoying life to its fullest? It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. —Charles Spurgeon

I know I should enjoy every moment in life because each one is a blessing from the hand of God.  One way that I am convinced that the devil defeats us is by keeping us from living in the present. Either we are filled with regrets and guilt of what we should have, would have, and could have done in the past. Or, our minds are filled with worry about the things that have not yet happened, the things we need to do. We have to stop the madness and smell the roses.

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it. —William Feather

Paul knew the secret. In Philippians 4:12, he said, “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.” But what was Paul’s secret? He shared insight for us in Philippians. Also, David’s Psalms about quiet time and thankfulness are key for contentment as well.

1. Put others first. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
2. Find joy in the Lord. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
3. Pray about everything and worry about nothing. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7
4. Think good thoughts. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
5. Trust God to get you through. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”
6. Find quiet time with God. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
7. Be thankful. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

Dear Lord: I know that I am a work in progress. Help us all to find the contentment that only comes from You. Every moment we spend worrying about tomorrow is a moment we lose enjoying today. Thank You for supplying all we need to live the abundant life You have planned for us. Help us to embrace it. Amen

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Have you experienced ways to be more content? Please share your experiences, comments and thoughts.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God richly bless you and your family.