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Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Philippians 4:11, ESV)
It’s difficult being content.
Most of us just endure the frustrations of paying bills, broken relationships, ill health, and the rising price of groceries. But when I read Philippians 4:11 and hear Paul say, “I’ve learned in whatever situation I am to be content,” I’m challenged to be content and have been trying to be at peace in all things for over fifty years.
What have I learned?
Contentment is supernatural.
Paul continues his contentment proclamation by saying. . .
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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-14).
I’ve experienced the “bringing low” aspects of life, being humiliated by others and embarrassing myself many times. I’ve worried about paying basic bills and praised God when finding money left after my monthly payments.
Paul didn’t pay his bills by Venmo®, but he knew the secret of contentment in both good and bad circumstances. He endured public condemnation of his ministry and adulation for his great teaching and, in both situations, said confidently, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Trusting God is the secret of being content.
Contentment isn’t worldly success.
The industry of “how to” dominates books and magazine covers at grocery check-out lines. If you want to find the “how to” for doing anything, just search the topic on Google and then open Facebook to receive all sorts of “how to” offers and advice for your task.
The “how to” ad industry claims new insight into your problem while showing you the path of working hard — all for this week’s special price of $19.99.
Recently, I’ve memorized Hebrews 13:5-6. . .
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
This Biblical “how to” plan works for everything. Read it again, replacing “money” with any temptation, worry, or question, and find there’s nothing to fear because God never leaves or forsakes us.
Contentment begins with pain.
Augustine wrote, “God gives grace where He finds empty hands.”
If we cling to fear, lust, fame, possessions, money, or illicit relationships, we will never be content. We must lose our grip on anything but the mercy of God. What stands in the way of our peace can be a habit, belief, or idol that we worship rather than God.
Let’s ruthlessly eliminate hindrances to the Spirit.
Admittedly, following Paul’s advice, I often get frustrated and want to shout, “Hey, Paul, are you kidding me? How can I be content in this messy situation?”
The Apostle Paul has never answered, but Scripture teaches, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ will be with you, Pastor Grant” (Philippians 4:23, OGV [Old Guy Version]).