In Philippians 4:11, Paul says, “I have learned in whatever state I am therein to be content.” Paul was not talking about an emotional detachment to circumstances, rather he was referring to a firm confidence in the power of God to see us through the difficulties of our life. Paul understood that “He could do all things through Christ who strengthened him.” It is so hard for us to be content, because we are always looking for a life of ease and abundance. Because of our sinful hearts, we never seem to “arrive” at that destination. Contentment must be initiated by faith in Jesus Christ and it challenges our thinking in 5 areas: Confidence in God’s providence; satisfaction with what we have, Detachment from circumstances, sustained by Divine power, and a preoccupation with the well-0being of others. I will give you a bit of time to ponder these and then I hope to briefly expand on these things in the coming days. I want to leave you with one thought today. living in contentment is a choice of the will, that starts by trusting in a loving, merciful, sovereign Lord. May you learn as Paul did how to find contentment in your life and through your circumstances.
