[Guest Post: Tracie Heskett] Contentment with God

Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

A friend recently posted Philippians 4:8 on social media, along with a headline from the Internet that claimed practicing gratitude would lead to happiness. The past couple of years, I’ve started my prayer time with thoughts of gratitude, which has brought greater contentment.

This morning, though, God prompted me to ponder this verse in a different way. What is true about my current circumstances? What is right, or pure, or lovely in this problem or situation I think needs God’s help? Before I could fully answer the question, I realized verse 8 immediately follows my two favorite verses:

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, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

While I am praying and presenting requests to God, and while I am waiting for His answers (which may or may not look the way I want, and which will come in His time, not mine), I am to think about the good in the situation. I can apply this concept in many areas in my life; one example is that we need to do some home maintenance this year. We’ve had bad experiences in the past and are dragging our feet. While I wish and hope for things to be different, I can apply this verse today:

· The truth is God has provided us with a good place to live.

· He has enabled me to place lovely things in it—which I notice if I pay attention.

· It is right to honor and praise God often for His provision.

Before these thoughts were fully formed, my son called. He’s at the beginning stages of thinking about and looking to buy his first house. We also talked about his work—he’s still within the six-month probationary period in a new position. God calls us to excellence as we seek to glorify Him, so I encouraged my son to practice excellence by setting aside thoughts of home life to focus and do his best at work—in part because his supervisor is noble, because God provided this good and right job, and because God calls us to do the best we can for Him.

Contentment—and the ability to do what God has set before us—comes as we walk with God and focus on Him, for He is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy above all else.