CONTENTMENT
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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 4:10-13 (NIV)
Most of the time, when we hear the verse, I can do all things through Christ, we think about doing great things, accomplishing impossible feats, or breaking through obstacles to claim victory. In a way, that is part of the verse; however, notice Paul says he has learned to lose and still be content. I know that won’t sell many shirts or be used in pre-game speeches, but life is far from perfect. There are times when you hit a home run, and there are times when you strike out, metaphorically speaking. All of us know what it is to be in both places. Paul is saying that he has learned the secret of contentment, and it's not a mindset; it’s a person, and His name is Jesus.
Are you content with your finances? Paul has said that he’s learned to be on top and be on the bottom of life and still not lose hope. Contentment is what keeps us steady. If we aren’t content when we are on top, we become prideful or greedy. It’s funny how often we will say, just one more dollar, one more meeting, one more award. If we aren’t content when we are at the bottom of life, it can move us to self-pity or comparison. We start to feel sorry for ourselves; all we notice is what others have. Contentment does one key thing: it gets your eyes off your circumstances and onto Christ. Without your eyes on Jesus, you will never be content in your circumstances. This is why Paul says, I can do all things. He’s saying he can win the lottery, file for bankruptcy, be successful or fail, be loved or hated, be well fed or hungry, and his joy isn’t robbed. He is saying that while most people think about safely securing their money, he has learned to secure his joy because he is so focused on Jesus. This is a challenging verse when we see it. What is your greatest source of joy right now? If it's anything other than Jesus, then Paul is inviting you to the secret of contentment.
APPLICATION:
Fix your eyes on Jesus today, and contentment will follow
PRAYER:
Ask the Spirit to help you abound in Jesus during the mountain tops and the valley lows. Ask if there is anything in your life that is causing you to be prideful or greedy. Ask the Spirit to reveal any area of comparison or self-pity. Give those to God and ask for contentment in your circumstances.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?