REFRAMING SUCCESS

 

     Paul gives us a plan and format to be content and in the frame of mind in this chaotic world in which we find ourselves.  He says in Phil 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.   So here is how you can be content.  Do what you love.  Express gratitude (keeping a gratitude diary or journal can help.  Enjoy the simple things.  Serve others.  Accept yourself as the Lord made you and placed you.  Be positive.  Learn to laugh.  Be your own best friend (don’t be afraid of alone time.  Read the Bible and pray often.  Go to the house of the Lord and keep close friendships and make to others. 

     Keep thinking about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  You know God is in control.

     Paul then follows up by saying 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.

     The secret of contentment lies in an inner sense of peace and satisfaction with one's circumstances. It is often described as being right with God and focusing on spiritual rather than material wealth. Contentment is learned through experience and involves recognizing that true peace comes from within, rather than from external possessions or situations.

     It is trusting the Lord with all your heart and not leaning to your own understanding but simply acknowledging the Lord and letting him direct your path and life.

     Paul gives us another secret of contentment.  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Phil 3:12-14

     He knows the old has passed away and all things are becoming new.  Forget the past, don’t fret about the future and live today or the present because today is God’s gift.  Billy Graham said that today is God’s word, yesterday is the devils.

     Paul closes off our article with this thought.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

To many, this verse is a reminder that no matter how difficult or challenging an event or period in life may be, with God we can have the strength and courage to endure anything.  Paul reminds us that we can endure trials and hardships when we keep our eyes on Jesus. It’s not about what wE can do, but rather about what GOD can do.  Paul wrote this verse to give us hope during our struggles and trials.  This verse helps us through what we face because we know God will never forsake or leave us.  Contentment in Christ.  Dependence on Christ.  The Sufficiency of God’s Grace.  This brings Strength in Trials.  Faithfulness in Ministry.  Reframing Success.  Gives you a whole mindset when it comes to trials, problems, hurt, and pain.  It is time to reframe your mindset and life.