While chained up in a prison cell, the apostle Paul wrote these words—“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).

Like Paul, most of us have experienced times of need as well as times of having plenty. Unlike Paul, some of us have not learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Paul’s secret is that he has learned to depend on God for everything. His contentment does not come from being self-sufficient. Good times or bad, Paul has learned to trust God to take care of him. The sooner we learn this secret, the sooner we can live the kind of contented life that God wants us to enjoy.

Have a happy and contented Thanksgiving!