“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians.4:13 ESV
In Philippians 4:10-13, Paul writes that he has learned the secret of being content in whatever situation he was in. He had to learn it; it didn’t come naturally. It also seemed to be a secret because far too many people, including believers, live in a state of discontentment. (I’m still learning myself!!) Here are 4 things to remember the next time we find ourselves in a situation that we would consider anything but grounds for contentment.
God is Sovereign. We are not where we are by accident or misfortune. God is in control of our circumstances.
God is a good Father. If He has led us here, He has a purpose. He’s building our faith. He’s teaching us something for our good and His glory – maybe contentment. Contentment is learned in difficult situations, not when life is easy. On the other side of our hardship, He’s going to use us as a blessing to others.
Find the faith and strength we need in Scripture. Search the Scriptures. God has a word just for the moment we are in. There is a promise, there is a truth, just waiting for us to find it, cherish it, pray it, and believe it.
Christ is our life. Life is not found in our circumstances. Life is found in our Savior. In Philippians 1:21 Paul has already told us the secret – “For me to live is Christ.” That is why he concludes this section by saying, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Imagine how attractive the gospel becomes to us when we are content in Christ, and imagine how attractive it is to the world when they take note of our Christian contentment!
Weekly Reflection
Christian contentment is the gracious ability to be at rest and satisfied with where God has us in life at any given time.