Persistent Contentment – August 11, 2023

“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 . . . And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:11-13,19

Persistent Contentment

It has been said that contentment isn’t having what you want; it is wanting what you have. That’s a mostly true statement, but it still puts “stuff” at the center of contentment. Somehow, I don’t think that was the secret to contentment that the apostle Paul had learned.

If we center our contentment in stuff or circumstances, we will find it hard to have persistent contentment. That is because stuff and circumstances change every day! Stuff wears out. Circumstances shift rapidly. The secret of contentment is to center it in something that never changes, no matter what. That was the secret Paul had learned.

Instead of stuff and circumstances, we center our contentment in Christ Jesus. No matter what life is like around us, Christ meets us with his love and promises. Every day, no matter what, there is forgiveness for your sins. Every day, no matter what, God promises to watch over you and care for you. Every day, no matter what, you get to look forward to the promise of eternal life through Jesus.

That is the secret to contentment! The promises of God strengthen you to live with persistent contentment no matter the circumstances of your life because the promises of God never change. God will meet all your needs through the riches he has already brought you in Christ Jesus. And if he’s given you that blood, he’ll give you everything else you need; you can trust that.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, work in me greater faith which always sees your promises and provision. Give me humility when I have plenty and assurance when I am in want. Work in me a persistent contentment centered in Jesus. Amen.