The Secret of Contentment (Eternity Changes Everything)

The Secret of Contentment

Philippians 4:10-13 NIV 

CONTENTMENT IS A SECRET .

Philippians 4:11b-12 I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. 

SECRET #1.  TRUST IN GOD’S PROVIDENCE: HE WILL PROVIDE .

Philippians 4:10a I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

Ps 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
            he will never let the righteous be shaken. 

Heidelberg Catechism on God’s Providence, Q. 26.
I have no doubt but He will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body; and further,
that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage;
for He is ABLE to do it, being Almighty God, and WILLING, being a faithful Father. 

SECRET #2.  Be grateful FOR WHAT YOU HAVE: it’s !

Psalm 103:10–12 He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have,
because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 

SECRET #3.  BE CONTENT IN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES: YOU’RE .

Philippians 3:20–21 Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there,
the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 

SECRET #4.  PRACTICE GOD’S ORDINARY MEANS of GRACE: ,,.

Psalm 73:2–5 My feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. // 16-17 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. // 25-26 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.