Contentment is difficult because we crumble and lose our sense of satisfaction and peace when we allow our circumstances to victimize us. Paul wrote Philippians 4:11, “… I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” while in prison in Rome. Contentment is not something that is tied directly to our circumstances, it is tied to our perspective. Our problem often is seen in that we are tied to the temporal, IN 1 John 2:15 we are told, “do not love the world, neither the things that are in the world …” Paul had run the gamut of extremes in his life, from great poverty to great wealth, and yet had learned to be content in the situation that he found himself. He3 writes in Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Paul endured many horrific circumstances but through them he learned to be content by having an eternal perspective. We must understand that all circumstances we face are only temporary, and it is keeping our focus on the prize that is set before us, that enables us to find the contentment that we long for in the midst of our circumstances. Paul cold face those earthly circumstances with confidence because he understood that “[He] could do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The same God that strengthened Paul will be there to strengthen you also. Focus on the prize my friends, not the circumstances.
