The Importance of Being Content

    If I have learned anything this year, it is the importance of being content. 
    I want to be clear: contentment is not the result of a happy environment. Contentment is being happy regardless of your environment, good or bad. 
    I am not saying anything new:

• Paul mentioned it in his letter to the Philippians. 
• Inspirational posts on social media say and re-say this a thousand times in different ways  

So, why am I repeating it?
    Because this year, I learned that if you are content, you become immovable. And if you are immovable, no matter what happens, you are always "living your best life."
    This year, I learned that being content means living your best life. 
    And that's why it bears repeating today, of all days. 

This year, I learned that being content means living your best life.

    If contentment should not come from your environment (your family, your friends, your wallet, even your emotions), it has to come from somewhere, right?
    It has to come from somewhere apart from it all, somewhere more than it all, Someone more than it all. 
    Y'all, contentment comes from believing in Jesus. 
    I want you to remember that angels appeared to shepherds in a field at night, telling them to be happy because Jesus has been born.  
    These were not kings with coffers filled with gold and silver. These were people who were working the dreaded night shift. Their lives did not exactly seem to scream "I am happy and content!"
    Yet, they rejoiced at the birth of Jesus. 

Y'all, contentment comes from believing in Jesus.

    Here's my point: Jesus brings joy and contentment to you, where you are, right now. That's what He wants. That's what He has always wanted. 
    Y'all, there is a lot to be angry about in this world. There is a lot to be depressed, worried, and anxious about. 
    But in Jesus, there is a lot to be happy about. Not that when you believe, all your troubles will be solved and you will no longer have to worry a day in your life.
    But that when you believe, Jesus will take on those troubles for you and give You His peace so that you will no longer have to worry a day in your life.
​    So that, whether rich or poor, sick or healthy, famine or plenty, you will be content. 
    Because Jesus got it all. He is more than it all. 
    That, y'all, is a reason to celebrate.
                                                               Merry Christmas, everyone!