Contentment......a Skill?

I recently finished reading a book by puritan writer Jeremiah Burroughs on Christian Contentment/Happiness. Excellent....I highly recommend it.
Here's some some basic ideas I came away with, either directly from the book or after mediating on some aspect of it:

1. Trust God for your circumstances. Whether rich or poor, own many possessions or little, God is the one who has given us everything we have and has withheld everything we don't have. Knowing this, the Christian can and should be happy whatever his lot because he can know that God has decided his lot for him for his good and God's glory.

2. Remember Jesus Christ Crucified for you personally everyday. If we believe the gospel, then we should have no problem trusting God for our circumstances (knowing that He is good and always does what is right and best).......because God demonstrated His goodness and love at the cross of Jesus. Remember this everyday.

3. Our Eternity is Secure in Christ. If we really believe this, does it really matter whether or not we get to do everything we want in this life....?? No, it doesn't. God has met all our needs in Christ.....ETERNAL HAPPINESS...........so if He chooses to give us much or a little down here really should not affect our state of contentment in this life. What is 70 to 80 years compared to a never ending state of bliss.

4. God gives us what He wants us to have. He witholds what he does not want us to have. (see#1) So, there is no need to fret about getting or not getting stuff, jobs....etc. He has it all under His control. This certainly does not mean we should not pray, work, studly....etc. to excell and advance in our vocation and or provide for our family. Just not to worry....."be anxious for nothing". Trust God. Do what you know you should do and trust God for the outcome. He ordained our days before our birth.

If you are a Christian, God has loved you forever. You can therefore be happy/content in this life. Let us encourage one another daily, as long at it is called "today". Food?, Clothing? be happy. God has and will continue to take care of you. He always does what is best and good.
I personally need this reminder every day..............................