Paul says the way to be always content is a secret (12). Continuous happiness and cheerfulness no matter the life circumstances is a secret because many do not know how to maintain this state. Also, so many promises to deliver contentment come alone that never intend to deliver. We grow to accept that it is impossible to always be in that state of cheerfulness and happiness.
Most are like wheat in the meadow. They bend this way and that in mood swings caused by winds of living in want and then plenty. Being short of money because an unexpected bill comes changes the mood from contentment to anxiety.
Paul gives up the secret on how to be in a perpetual state of peaceful happiness. He says he learned the secret of being content in any and every situation (12). Everyone must learn this. Babies seem to reach the deepest contentment until they need their mother’s milk or a set of clean clothes.
The secret is found in verse 13. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” This ties into yesterday’s Bible Daily Bread Devotional. Read it again.
Then meditate on verses 6 and 7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, with guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
