Contentment....??? What is that??

So this morning I was reading Philippians 4 and this verse stuck out in my head....

vs. 12 "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 living in plenty or in want"

And then I started thinking.... have I learned the secret of being content? hum.... probably not. So I went back... went back to the entire chapter of Philippians 4 and started looking for the "secret"... my thought.. why would Paul say "I have learned the secret..." but not share the secret? He must have already shared it and I missed it. So back I went. The following is what I found and struck me as steps on the way to contentment.

1. Rejoice Always- "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4)!

2. Don't Worry- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

3. Guard Your Thoughts- "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

How often do I spend time pondering on the negative? The shortcomings of my house, my husband, my kids, MYSELF, my friends.... etc. Today I want to focus on the good. Guard my thoughts, Rejoice, and don't worry! For this I believe is the secret that Paul was talking about in Philippians... and I pray that I will find true contentment.