“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” (Philippians 4:11–12 NLT)

 

Paul urged the believers in Philippi to embrace a spirit of contentment. And we should point out that Paul wasn’t a do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do type of guy. He talked the talk and walked the walk when it came to being content. Paul had more opportunities to be discontent than most people ever will.

“I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT). Someone who learned to be content under those circumstances deserves to be heard.

Paul’s words in Philippians 4 align with Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25–27. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (NLT).

It’s a matter of focus. If your eyes are on the things of this world, you won’t be content. There’s always a new toy, a nicer car, and a bigger house to aim for. It’s only after you acquire those things that you discover the stinging truth of Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 2:11: “But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere” (NLT).

If, on the other hand, your eyes are on God and His will for your life, contentment is always within reach. The apostle James wrote, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (James 1:17 NLT).

To be content is to recognize the goodness and generosity of God that put you where you are. To be content is to continuously take an inventory of the amazing things He’s done for you and given you. To be content is to remember where all good and perfect gifts come from.

 

Reflection Question: What obstacles might keep you from being truly content?

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