Some lessons in Scripture are completed instantly. As an example, after we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior, our deliverance is accomplished.

Though we might need guarantee sometimes, the problem is settled forever. At other times, a lesson must be learned continually. Just when we think we have it down, something comes along to check our understanding. One of those lessons involves being content in all circumstances. To experience happiness is to be free from worry and disappointment about unsatisfied wishes in our life.

When we look closely at Paul’s words in Philippians, we recognize 2 critical guidelines. First, happiness is not ruled by circumstances. If it were, we’d have huge issues. We can’t flip a switch and make everything right at our workplace, in our home, among our kids, or in eventualities which we will not control. But the majority are discontent because they don’t understand this principle.

Paul’s secret may also be ours : “And the peace of God, which exceeds all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” ( Philippians 4:7 ). The second principle is that our inner self, or angle, is what manages happiness. Paul failed to have a “roller coaster faith” that went up and down ; instead, he had a calm confidence that no-one could thieve something he possessed on the inside – his relationship with God was his source of satisfaction. We all experience stress, but when we reply with religion and prayerfully cast cares on Him ( one Peter 5:7 ) our sense of happiness can’t be thieved.