The Contented Life Daily DevotionalSýnishorn

The Gateway To Contentment

Paul's words are not a command for you to be happy for everything that happens to you or that all the bad, the pain, or the disappointments you may face are God's will for your life. Rather, these words are meant to equip you with the secret to getting up and above the circumstances, good or bad, and into the realm of contentment. The fact is, Paul's version of rejoicing is an act of your will, not your circumstances.

But how do you rejoice in the Lord when things are bad? Like really bad?

You must choose to search for and take note of reasons to rejoice right where you are. Please do not overlook this because of how simple it sounds – often, the simplest disciplines, employed faithfully, lead to the most significant changes. Do you have working eyes, legs that can walk, lungs that can breathe air? Do you have food on the table and a car to drive? Have you ever stopped to thank God for the clean drinking water in your glass?

Sometimes, things can feel so dark that all you feel you have to rejoice in is the Lord Himself. If that's the case, you're in good company with the Apostle Paul, who wrote while in prison, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again – Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4). When you look for it, there is always something to thank God for even in your darkest hour.

Like Paul, you have access to this gateway to contentment. In any season, circumstance, or mood, you can fill your heart with reasons to rejoice and give thanks to God as an act of your will. List ten things you can thank God for today and see if it doesn't lift your heart.

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By Kari Wallain