Philippians 4:10-14 (MSG)
I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.
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In a world where happiness vacillates and seems elusive, Paul’s words in Philippians 4:10-14 offer a timeless recipe. A recent study show global happiness has seen a significant decline over the past decade, but what if the answer lies in our hearted and our mindset, not our circumstances?
Contentment ≠ Complacency
Contentment is often misunderstood as complacency. But they’re not the same. Being content means finding happiness and joy in what we have, while complacency implies giving up or refusing to improve. Paul teaches us to be content but not complacent. Paul wasn’t complacent, he was always striving, pressing forward, and running towards his goal—-fulling knowing Christ (Phil 3).
Circumstances & Happiness
Happiness isn’t dictated by our situations. It’s about focusing on finding happiness in the One who saved us. We find true joy in our relationship with Christ, not in the ever-changing tides of life and circumstances.
Confidence in Christ
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This isn’t just a statement; it’s a mindset. When we place our confidence in Christ, we find the strength to be content and the courage to pursue our goals.
The Recipe for Happiness: Do not use these ingredients sparingly!
Be Content – Find happiness and joy in the stability of knowing Christ, not your current circumstances, whatever they may be. Contentment is a spiritual condition of the heart, not a reflection of what we own, achieve, or have accomplish .
Confidence in Christ – Believe that through Him, you can face anything. This confidence gives us the strength to pursue our goals and find happiness in Him.
Let’s wrap this up like the gift that it is 🎁 The recipe for happiness isn’t about having more or less, but about finding contentment and placing our confidence in Christ. No matter our circumstances, we can be truly happy when our focus is on 100% Him.
Be blessed this week! Cheers from London!
Lane & Jules