Learn Christ and You’ll Learn Contentment

Do you ever get a pit in your stomach when someone else is living in circumstances you wish you were in? 

Do you ever desire to turn off comparison completely?

Or even, do you ever long for the pain of life right now to pass? If so, praise God. He has given us His Word to speak to us today.

Here is what Paul writes to the church of Philippi,

^“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” 

Philippians 4:11-13

Oh, the most misquoted verse of the Bible (or so I would argue). “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” is often used as a motivator to forward our own goals. It’s been the encouragement used to push me in sports, in my exam, or in dating (lol). But really, this verse has to do with endurance, suffering, and contentment. The focus is on Christ’s strength, not personal achievements.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines content to be, “a feeling of being mentally or emotionally satisfied with one's situation, possessions, or circumstances.” We, as humans, innately search for satisfaction in our current life standings. We desire to feel fulfilled in things we can see. Yet, this perspective keeps our minds set on the current, forgetting that every momentary desire will one day flee as we see our Savior face to face.

Paul also states here that he has learned to be content. Furthermore, he has learned the secret of contentment. I think in Christian circles we throw around the word contentment like we are trying to enjoy life as it is. It’s almost as if we are able to muster up enough reasons that our life isn’t as bad as it seems– we will be okay. Rather than doing this, Paul gives the secret of contentment. It is dwelling upon the victory of Christ. 

Whether our relationship status, money in our bank account, or the amount of Instagram-worthy moments we have surrounding us, the secret to contentment is learning CHRIST. Paul, at this time, had immersed himself in the Gospel. He had spent much time preaching the Gospel, recounting what God had done for him, and had committed himself to the fellowship of the saints. Paul wrote this letter in prison. Yet his thoughts remained on the joy of Christ, not on the bad or the GOOD of his circumstances. 

Another note, if your life is in an upward swing and you are feeling far from God, take a moment to check in. Is your spiritual health and nearness to Christ dependent on your circumstances? Jesus heals the cracks of our heart that ache for restoration. But He also reveals that the good of this earth is just not good enough. 

If you are feeling like the answered prayer of change will satisfy you, Scripture reminds us it won’t. Christ alone brings contentment and our eternal security in Him is what sustains it. Contentment must be learned. Learn Christ and you’ll learn contentment.

Prayers abound,

Kate :)