Do you have a life verse?

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

This one verse can address so many anxiety issues or discouragement we have in our lives. When we’re younger, we want to be older; when we’re older, we want to be younger; when people ignore us, we want attention; when we get the attention, we want people to leave us alone.

When I started writing full-time, I felt like I was “behind.” So many people my age have several books published. They’ve found their fan base. I’m just beginning the process. My social media platform is growing but small. The first self-published book only sold a handful of copies. My intention to write several more books to create a series with it hasn’t transpired. My newest release is doing well yet I promised the second in the series to be finished by July. There are so many reasons to feel behind but am I really? 

In our families, professional lives, or timing, we can be unsettled or anxious. I chose a few months ago to make Philippians 4:11 my life verse for now. You can’t believe the difference it made in my perspective on everything! Contentment doesn’t mean rolling over and giving up. It means accepting God has it under control. Trusting him to move on your behalf. Trusting in His love and grace for you.

I didn’t google search this verse. In prayer one day, I felt impressed to look up this specific verse. As I read it, I knew God wanted me to quit comparing myself to others, lean in hard on his plan for my life, and trust him. Fully trust him. Since that day, my sense of self-worth and contentment has continued to grow. I encourage you to pray today and ask for God’s guidance. He won’t let you down. If you want to use my verse, it’s not MINE but God’s. Feel free to embrace it as your own until you find one that speaks to you, as this one did to me.