In this section of scripture, the context tells us some very important things! First, this kind of thankfulness comes from being filled with the Spirit!
Paul’s life circumstances were miserable (humanly speaking)! Paul was in prison, beaten, shipwrecked, stoned, mobs of angry people ran him out of towns, and even a poisonous snake bit him—but he glories in what he has in Christ! What do you glory in?
When the believer is disconnected from regular relationship with Jesus, he will struggle with a contented mind. The gauge of our “contentedness meter” is overwhelmingly connected to living in the reality of the presence of God.
The real test of a thankful heart is when God says no to your plans…and that is possible when you see God as He is and yourself as you truly are – God is GOD and we are His servants.
