Living Life by Design

Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.’ In my lifetime, I have rarely known anyone who was genuinely happy & content. They may have said they were happy, but I knew otherwise. I can certainly attest to the words of Martin Luther when he said, ‘Contentment is a rare bird, but it sings sweetly in the breast.’

The Bible never promises that we will not face hard times, difficult situations or heartache. What it does promise is that God WILL grant us strength and grace in these times.

The apostle Paul found the key to a life of peace and contentment in times of trouble. He tells the Philippians how to find peace and shares the secret of being content…”I can do all things through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). God will give us the strength we need if we will do it through him.

Paul continues to write, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace {shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of it’s salvation through Jesus Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content, that peace} which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (vv.6-7, I love how the amplified Bible relates this message).

Such a meaningful, remarkable and truly wonderful promise, and one that I have claimed many times in my own life.

How about you?