If you were making a television commercial about
contentment, you’d probably show a guy lying in a hammock, sipping a cool drink
and looking at a sunset over the ocean. Or maybe you’d picture a happy couple
holding hands before a roaring fireplace, with big snowflakes falling outside.
You probably wouldn’t have a man sitting in prison, deserted by friends, and facing execution.
Paul wrote to reassure the church at Philippi that whether he was released or executed, he was full of joy and peace. He had learned to be content. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need (Philippians 4:11-12).
We have a lot more to learn about contentment from Paul than
we do from someone relaxing in a tropical resort. Paul demonstrates that
contentment doesn’t come from circumstances, possessions, or even from other
people.The heart of his lesson about contentment comes in the next verse: I can do all things through him who
strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
I’ve loved this verse for years, but I think I’ve been taking it out of context. I’ve quoted it as if it were a promise that, whatever I tackled, I would succeed because Christ would help me. Sure, I’m going to school full-time, working two jobs, and I’ve decided to write a novel and begin a home-based business. Plus I just got a puppy to house-train. But no worries – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Don’t get me wrong: Christ can empower you to do extraordinary things. But Philippians 4:13 is
not a promise that God will strengthen you to achieve
your goals. It’s a promise that Christ’s presence will give you contentment
whatever your circumstances.
Whether you’re in a condo in Maui
or in a prison in Rome. Whether you have plenty to eat, or you’re going hungry.
Whether you have loved ones around you or you’re lonely and isolated.
In all things, Jesus is enough. His presence can strengthen you to be at peace.
Contentment is ultimately about
being in love with Jesus. You and I were never meant to find contentment
anywhere else.
I don’t think contentment can be reduced
to a “to-do” list at the end of a post like this. But I offer these final thoughts
as a fellow-traveler, in the hope that they might help us take one step closer
to true, deep, and Christ-centered contentment.
- Repent of discontentment. Ingratitude, complaining and murmuring are a sign we’re looking for contentment in the wrong place.
- Give yourself wholly to God, no strings attached. Be done with the idea that you deserve a certain kind of life, and surrender to His timing, His blessing, and His plans.
- Cultivate worship and thanksgiving. A thankful, praiseful heart is the opposite of a discontented heart.
- Pursue the real Jesus of the Bible. The closer we get to Him, the better we know, admire, obey, and worship Him, the more we will know true contentment.
