The Contented Life Daily DevotionalSample

Fix Your Focus

Contentment isn't passive; it doesn't come to anyone by simply waiting. Rather, contentment comes from an active choice of seeking to be filled with the Spirit, the way that Paul did in prison when he penned this scripture in Philippians 4:12-13, "… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."

Through enduring hardship and trials, Paul was laser-focused on his God-given mission – to tell others about salvation and freedom found in Christ. Paul's strength to withstand challenges and enjoy victories came through fellowship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This empowered him to persevere, in need or plenty, yielding great contentment. Paul, through His Spirit, reframed his dire circumstances to his advantage. Doing the best he could where he was, and while under house arrest, Paul wisely used that time and place to equip churches through letter writing!

Contentment then doesn't come from being passively satisfied with where you are or with what you have or don't have; it comes from having Jesus as your everything, being filled with His Spirit, and actively living out God's purpose. Forgetting your real purpose to serve God distracts and re-directs your desires onto possessions and worldly goals, robbing you of experiencing the richness of being content. Don't add or subtract things in your life – just seek Jesus.

Ephesians 5:18 exhorts believers to "Be filled continually with the Holy Spirit." The more you ask to be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit and fellowship with Jesus and His Word, the more content you'll be, overflowing with power to overcome and fulfill His call. When you have Jesus, you have everything you need because "He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20).

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By: Karen Kepkay