READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13

“What’s next?” It’s the ever-present question. It comes up every time you change schools, pick classes, or consider options for what to do after high school.

When I’m asked this question, I sometimes think it means I’m not good enough. Have you ever had similar thoughts? I haven’t “arrived” at where they think I should be. I don’t know “what’s next”! I was enjoying high school, but now I’m fixated on what comes after this.

I find myself becoming discontent, no longer happy where I am. I start comparing myself to other people: They have so many things I don’t have. A nice car. A significant other. A cat. A dog. A plan!

As I reflect on what others are doing, I can get so focused on things I might do in the future that I lose sight of what God is doing in me right now.

When the Apostle Paul was in prison, I’m sure he would sometimes look around and think of all the other things he could be doing rather than sitting in a cell. But after having been in chains for quite some time, he says he has “learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).

That doesn’t mean he wasn’t thinking about what could happen if he were released from prison, but it didn’t consume him. Paul was excited about the possibilities, but he was also content where he was.

Notice Paul says he had to learn contentment (verses 11-12). It wasn’t like he flipped a switch and everything was suddenly sunshine and roses. No, learning contentment was a process.

The Holy Spirit was working in Paul all along. Because he knew Jesus, Paul was able to rest in peace and joy, equipped to do the work God put before him…and even to dream about where God would call Him next. • Kristi Dennis

• How do you feel when you hear questions like, “What’s next?”

• Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5. God invites us to dream about the future, holding our plans with open hands and relying on Him for wisdom and guidance all along the way. How could it encourage us to know that God wants to help us, and He is the one who can direct our steps?

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. Philippians 4:12 (NIV)