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Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”  @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2023/08/13/the-secret-to-a-contented-life/

The Secret to a Contented Life

POSTED ON AUGUST 13, 2023 BY BETH ANDREWS

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength”  (Philippians 4:13).

This is the go-to verse for weightlifters, runners, and football players. In our minds, we picture strong muscles straining with all they’ve got until the victory is won. Tim Tebow often wore the reference as a reminder that true strength comes from the Lord. And that is a great thing to know. But is that what Paul was really saying?

At the time he wrote Philippians, Paul was in prison for the gospel. But he wasn’t looking to God for strength to break his chains; he was looking to the Lord for strength to endure them. The context of Philippians 4:13 is not of rippling muscles, but contentment. Paul said that he “learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” And his circumstances were devastating.

Discontent seems to be the culture’s favorite pastime. Despite how blessed we are, we always have something to grumble about.  It is also one of Satan’s favorite weapons and he uses it to weaken our faith and diminish our witness. It is a bitter poison that eats away at us – starting in the deepest part of our soul and, if left unchecked, destroys our peace, erodes our Joy, and leaves us with stone-cold hearts (and faces that match). I know because struggled with a discontented heart for many years.

Here’s what I discovered, and I believe it is what Paul learned as well – you and I will never find true contentment in anything less than God. There is nothing this world can offer that can do it. No house is big enough. No bank account is rich enough. No relationship is strong enough. No job is fulfilling enough. I’ve tried to find contentment in all of them. Nothing satisfies but Him. The Lord makes my days sweet and my nights peaceful. He fills my heart (and my arms) with Joy. He gives me hope and strength. He gives me a reason to live and gives my life meaning. He surrounds me with His grace. He quiets me with His love. He is my Rock, my Light, my Fortress, my Provider, my Protector, my Counselor, and my Anchor. He is all I need and all I want.

Can you say that, Beloved? You can if God is your source of contentment. Trust me on this, you will never be satisfied with anything less.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/