Paul had learned to be content in every circumstance of life. He had found the secret of being content. Paul’s writings show us how he developed contentment.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7
Rejoicing was a lifestyle for Paul. He did not wait until he was in a corporate gathering to sing praises to the Lord. He also didn’t expect perfect circumstances to rejoice in God.
Paul exercised his will to rejoice in God continually, and he remained humble and open before the Lord. He did not ignore the realities of life but exalted His God above everything else. His rejoicing and thanksgiving were acts of faith that he exercised regularly. Rejoicing and thanksgiving disperse grumbling, fear, and anxiety. They also fan faith into flame!
In the atmosphere of faith, our prayers and supplications are more closely aligned to the will of God. The peace of God rests on us and allows us to be able to hear His voice when He speaks to us.
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Paul tells the believers that thanksgiving is the will of God for them. How many times have we prayed to know God’s will for our lives!? We should start by doing the things that we clearly know to be God’s will for us. In this case, the scripture tells us in everything we are to give thanks. We give thanks to God for His love, His character, and His goodness. We give thanks because He is worthy of praise, and we know that He has a plan for our lives. The Lord is ordering our steps.
Make the commitment to rejoice in God and give thanks throughout your day. At first, it will not be easy but continue doing it. Sometimes you will not feel like it but find reasons to rejoice and give thanks. Allow God to increase your faith and expand your vision. As you begin this process, you will see contentment develop in your life. You’re also giving to the Lord room to work in extraordinary and supernatural ways.
