Big Idea:Often, we can find ourselves unsatisfied with the here and now. Our focus becomes centered on the wrong things, making it easy to be discontent. Oftentimes our feelings of discontentment are accompanied by restlessness, envy, and complaining. So, how do we find contentment today? Just like Paul, we can choose joy and find contentment even when our circumstances seem bleak.

Key Scriptures: Philippians 4:2, 6-9, 11-13

Main Point: Paul had first-hand experience with suffering but he had learned the value of a contented heart. Let's take a look at four ways we can be “Happy with Here.”

1. Settle your disagreements

Philippians 4:2 - "Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement." 

We will never agree with our friends, family, and coworkers all the time but how we handle those disagreements is truly the way to a happy heart. Strife with others will steal our joy and cause our lives to be filled with unnecessary stress. If in our power, we should at all times make amends and live in unity with those around us.

Question: As we move into this holiday season, do you have a disagreement that needs to be resolved? Take some time as a group to pray with one another that your hearts and homes will be filled with peace in this season.

2. Pray about everything

Philippians 4:6-7 - "6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

It would be so easy to make a list of worries. Worries for today, tomorrow, and even ten years from now. Paul knew the only way to a settled heart was through continual communion with God. Pray always and about everything!

Question: How do you practice continual communion with God? Do you have a favorite worship playlist or scripture to declare over your life and family?

3. Fix your thoughts

Philippians 4:8-9 - "8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."

In a world where information is at our fingertips and the perpetual habit of swiping is part of our daily routine, it is so easy to fixate on the wrong things. Before we even realize it we have taken in more than our souls can handle and wonder why we have lost our joy.

Question: Do you watch the news, scroll social media, or maybe even find yourself nervous about what's happening in your local area? What are some ways this week you can practice presence with God over the chaos of the world? Have you ever taken time away from your phone or television?

Challenge

As we move into the month of December it is the perfect time to cultivate a heart of contentment. Here are some practical ways we can practice contentment. 

1. Gratitude: This week take some time to write down five things you are grateful for. 
2. Live in the now: It's tempting to be worried about the future but our hope is knowing that Jesus holds our future. 
3. Live simple: Take some time to declutter that junk drawer this week! 
4. Live your calling and know that there is more than enough for you each day in Christ!