Life is difficult. There's no escaping the fact, but the Bible invites us into another realm where even in our struggles we manage

to maintain a cheerful spirit.

So here's the honest question.

Can we actually achieve a true state of happiness that defies our difficult circumstances?

Today on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindall reminds us that cheerfulness is attainable for

anyone who embraces God's plan to let contentment rule in our lives.

Chuck picks up our study in 1st Timothy chapter 6.

He titled his message, contentment, generosity, and you.

Now, what are some benefits of contentment?

Let me name three that come to mind.

First, the current enjoyment of one's lot rather than constantly striving for something else.

You were contented when you enjoy your current circumstances. Here's the second benefit. It gives us the freedom

to recognize and applaud another's achievement rather than be consumed by envy.

Contentment as you cultivate it will free you from competition.

Here's a third benefit.

It enables us to cultivate a grateful spirit.

Those who lack contentment have no clue what it means to be truly thankful.

When you're contented, you live your life grateful.

Now then, Paul is a realist and he knows that Timothy is ministering to

people in two categories aside from those contented. There are those who long to be rich,

and there are those who are already rich.

So Paul instructs Timothy in what to say or how to minister to those in each category.

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