I choose Contentment.
"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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13)."
Let's start with a definition: Contentment is satisfaction in God's sufficient provision. Talk about going against the grain of the culture. Contentment brings a settled sense of sufficiency and a peaceful pace that proves “more” is not the focus of our thinking. Contentment brings blessings, such as joy in the present and satisfaction in the simple things of life.
But contentment doesn't just happen, it's a choice. And when you choose it repeatedly, you create a lifestyle of being content. We don’t wake up one morning and say, “Wow, I think I got contentment last night." Paul says he learned to be content. He figured out how to be content in highs and in lows, in abundance and in need, in plenty and in hunger.
The secret of Paul's contentment was actually rooted in wanting more - more of Christ and less of everything else. That's why he says earlier in his letter to the Philippians, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:20-21)."
When we choose contentment then our hearts are like wells that bubble up with gratitude for every small thing: for a day of opportunity to bring God glory with our attitude. The secret is in learning to lean on the source and not the supply.
Pray
I am chosen by God and I choose contentment. I come to you now, empty-handed but with a full heart. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may know what it means to be content whether I have plenty or I'm in need.