The Unhurried Life by Anthony ThompsonSample

Day 2: Savoring the Present - The Apostle Paul's Contentment

Scripture: Philippians 4:11 - "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

Let's take a moment and think about the Apostle Paul. Here's a man, confined within prison walls yet finding a profound sense of contentment.

It's intriguing, isn't it?

In chains, yet spiritually free. Paul discovered that the secret to happiness wasn't in the future or the past but in savoring the present.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "I'll be happy when..." or "If only I had... then I'd be content." But Paul's example shows us that joy and contentment can be found right where we are, in the here and now.

It's about stopping the chase for future feelings and appreciating the treasures you already possess.

This verse especially hits me in the tough seasons. I can remember when I was out of work, and there was no sight of inbound revenue. All I could think about was what I didn’t have.

I was in a constant loop of doom. It was during this season when this scripture spoke the LOUDEST to me. I can remember the Holy Spirit dropping reminders to me that sounded like this.

“Paul was in prison, yet he sang praises to the Lord.”

“David was chased, and his life was in danger, yet he cried out to the Lord.”

“Joseph was in prison, yet he was faithful and patient in his assignment.”

There were more and more downloads the Holy Spirit brought to my attention. The scriptures tell us to “Encourage ourselves in the Lord.”

That is exactly what I had to do. I had to find the gold on the day I was given. Not in tomorrow or the past - but in the present.

I’m not saying it was easy, but I am saying - it’s what the Bible instructs you and me to do. Instead of RUSHING into what I thought was next - I had to sit and find the joy in the now.

What about you? Are you living out in the future and distracted in the present?

What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about right now?

Are you trying to power your way through your current situation, or are you waiting on the Lord?

What does “being content” in the moment actually look like for you? If you have a moment, close your eyes and imagine what that looks like and feels like.

How often do you truly pause to appreciate your current circumstances?

I want you to know THIS area is especially difficult for me.

I have failed so many times and still do. I want to blast through every dull moment in life, looking for the next miracle.

This area in my life only changed when I spent more time with Jesus. He instructed me. He guided me. He gave me wisdom and insights allowing me to SEE DIFFICULTY differently.

This is what I believe for you. I know only the Master can transform, and He’s waiting for you.

Take a moment to reflect:

• In what areas of your life are you postponing joy, waiting for future conditions? Maybe it's your career, relationships, or personal goals.
• How can you find contentment in your current circumstances, just as Paul did, even if they're less than ideal? What's stopping you from seeing the beauty in your now?
• What practices can you adopt to become more present and appreciative of the now? It might be mindfulness, gratitude, or simply slowing down to savor life's small joys.

Affirmation: "I cherish the present moment. I will uncover its hidden treasures and learn to be content in all things, just as Paul did."