If you were to truly look at your life, would you say you’re “content”?
As humans, contentment is one of the most difficult things to achieve consistently. We’re being constantly reminded of things we’re missing out on. Daily, we’re being teased by images of items that would make our lives so much “better”. Not only that, but we get a virtual front-row seat to glimpses of strangers’ lives who seem to have it all together.
Each of these stirs up in us the urge to be discontent, to long for more than we have, to be jealous of others who have things or accomplishments that we don’t, or perhaps who we think have just been dealt a better hand in life.
Paul tells us in Philippians, that he discovered the “secret” to being content. The answer is a simple one, but how do we embrace it practically in our everyday life?
Paul’s Secret
Paul talks about being content in every situation he faces. Preaching about being content is easy, especially when things in life are going well… however, Paul’s life was anything but easy.
He was constantly being persecuted, he was beaten and stoned, he faced shipwrecks at sea, and was in prison multiple times. He was not a “fair-weather” Christian. Since his conversion, he was “all-in” on Jesus, no matter what turns his life took.
In his letter to the church in Philipi, one he wrote while imprisoned, he reminds the Philippians that they don’t need to be concerned for him, because whether in times of longing or plenty, he knows how to be content.
“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV)
Okay, can you imagine feeling content in prison? I’m not sure I can… what is it that gave Paul the confidence to feel content?
The secret is found in where he places his focus – on Jesus.
Eyes on Eternity
Paul was able to find contentment because of his assurance in Jesus Christ. In his letters to the early church, Paul reminds the believers that this world is not all there is. Heaven is waiting for them, if they hold steadfast in their faith.
When he says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”, he is referring to being able to endure whatever happens in this life, because of the power of Jesus that lives within him.
Contentment vs Apathy
Being truly content is different than just not caring at all. As humans, we experience a wide array of emotions everyday, often based on our circumstances.
Was Paul happy to be arrested, once again? To constantly be put in life or death situations, like shipwrecks or having stones thrown at him, meant to kill him? He probably experienced fear, sadness, anger, and frustration, just as we do in difficult times.
However, throughout those situations, and any emotions he experienced, his faith was not shaken. He trusted that God was working and continued to preach the gospel, no matter how much trouble it got him in. Paul realized that this life would be full of hardships, but true joy and contentment is found in knowing Christ.
Choosing Contentment in Christ
If you find yourself struggling to be content today, affected by situations out of your control, or simply longing for something more/different than what you have in this life, I hope that Paul’s story inspires you.
Discontentment is a normal thing that many of us experience. I’d encourage you to bring it before God. Ask him to help still your heart. Cling to the joy of knowing him and the truth that, one day, He will set all things right.
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