Contentment

12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13

I don’t know that I really know what it is to be in need. But I certainly know what it is to have plenty. And yet, like so many, I’ve often found contentment to be a foreign concept.

How is this possible? What are we to make of this strange darkness at the heart of our Western culture? Where so many men/women/children who are well-fed, who have more than adequate shelter, educated, family, friends etc., are experiencing deep discontentment.

What is missing?

Well, I think Paul would suggest that it is everything found in Christ. Without a connection to the God who made us - there will always be something missing. But even for the Christian, if we aren’t relying on the God who made us and who strengthens us - then we too will experience discontent.

Here is the crux of the matter. What we have in Jesus is enough to be content in every situation. There is enough in His tanks. But as long as we continue to look for contentment from other sources, well, it’s like putting diesel into a petrol car. It just won’t work.

For Today:

• How are your contentment levels?
• Are you finding contentment in Christ or in other things?
• How could you find deeper contentment in Christ today?

Pray:
Praise the Father He has made us for peace and contentment in Him. Give thanks for Jesus who gives us all we need to experience contentment now and forever. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others find contentment in Christ.