Today is July 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 4. 


I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 
 

I know we all KNOW we are supposed to love this verse, but it’s a hard one. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” What are your circumstances right now? Take some time to orient yourself to what is real in your life: relationally, emotionally, spiritually, vocationally….  
   
Does the word content describe you? If not, what word would you use to describe the state of your heart related to your situation? Listen again to the text, and pay special attention: what in this text tells us ‘the secret of being content’? 
   
The secret of contentedness is found in the grace we find through the spirit of God, who lives in us. We don’t get good at being contented because we’re virtuous people. We get good at becoming content because we learn, day by day, to trust God to be present in our areas of weakness, loss, and pain. As we close our time of prayer, talk with God about any struggles you have with feeling content in life right now. Be honest with Him – tell him how you feel – and then take some time to quietly hear how He might be leading you forward. 

Music: Arms of Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)