Paul encouraged his readers to think about those things, which are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
This is the opposite of thinking about those things which upset us and cause us to complain and grumble. However to do this we first must be aware of our thoughts. What do we think about all day? To find enjoyment and contentment in all our circumstances (Philippians 4:11), we will have to guard against filling our minds with those things we think we’re lacking or those things we think we need to make us content. I have come to the conclusion that anything I don’t currently have is obviously unnecessary to my contentment. If it were, God would have already provided me with it.
Let’s focus on the blessings we already have. Personally, I am great blessed. Physically, I have shelter, food and clean water; not everyone does. Emotionally, I have a husband and children, who love me and care about me; not everyone has that support. Mentally, I’m stimulated by books and the articles I read; not everyone has this opportunity. Spiritually, I have a God who loves me so much that he gave his son to die for me, and even if he does nothing more for me in this life, that is enough for me to be forever grateful.
