"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" 2 Philippians 3:12.  "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated on the right hand of God" - Colossians 3:1

How many of us can truly say we are content in any and every situation - no matter what life throws at us? because contentment is all about leaning on Jesus - having a sedate spirit that bears up under pressure, disaster, or suffering.  To know the secret about the quietness of heart that gladly submits to God in all circumstances, we have to go through a learning process, a process that takes time and a great deal of effort. 

But what is 'learning'?  Learning is to make choices, to practice painful situations over and over, and the strength to do this comes from Christ.  Don't misunderstand, gaining contentment doesn't mean we will be saying "Good-bye" to sorrow and discomfort.  Second Corinthians 6:10 says we can be sorrowful, and still rejoice.  It's a life lesson that we can have nothing, yet possess everything.

It all comes down to keeping our eyes focused on Christ.  Dave Dravecky the American basket ball league player writes:
"I used to lock my eyes on my catcher's glove when I was pitching in the major leagues.  Batters were merely distractions, especially if they were good hitters.  My goal was to so focus on my catcher's glove that I wouldn't even see the batter". 

This is exactly the type of 'focus stare' we need to level on God, otherwise our eyes will drift in the direction of the countless distractions that endeavour to entice us every day of our lives - and the end of time is very near....we can't run the risk of losing the prize.  

True contentment has to be earned, and learned, and can only be obrained with strength fro above. But once you've got it, you'll never trade it for anything.  Contentment is a pearl of great price, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires makes a wise and happy purchase – John Bulguy.

Because, The only way to get our values right is to see, not the beginning, but the end of the way, to see things, not in the light of time, but in the light of eternity. - William Barclay

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.   From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.…" - 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (