Sometimes

we have the pleasure of meeting a Christian who exudes calm, peace,

and contentment even though they are living with limitations or

ailments that are difficult and painful. Or maybe they have faced

heart-wrenching tragedy in the past—and yet there they are, almost

serene in their faith and utterly joyful on every level.

When

we see such people, we sometimes conclude that God must have wired

them really well. We figure that such people must have been born

sunny-side up with a personality and disposition that lends itself to

a contented nature. But if we think that way, we are usually wrong.

Talk to such folks long enough, and you will discover what Paul wrote

to the Philippians: contentment is a learned behavior. You are not

born with it. It does not come easily for anyone. But by grace we

grow, we learn, we mature. And as we do, contentment becomes a way of

life.

But

it is not inevitable. Many of us know someone who got trapped by

their suffering long ago. They turned inward and curdled into an

angry, resentful person.

None

of us can avoid some ­level of pain, hardship, or deprivation in

life. Our prayer is that when we face difficult times, we can learn

what Paul learned over the long haul: a contentment anchored in

Christ.