CONTENT

“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.”—Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

Have you ever accomplished something amazing, only to be slightly disappointed afterwards because you thought you’d feel happier, more fulfilled, or more rewarded? It could be saving financially to climb out of your school loans, training months on end to run a marathon, or even welcoming your first child into the world. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably asked this question at least once in your life: “Will I ever be content?”

Adam and Eve wrestled with this when they wanted to “become like God” and taste the forbidden fruit. Israel struggled with this when they kept asking for a king so they could be like all the other nations. The rich young ruler in Matthew 19 desired eternal life, but couldn’t bear parting with his wealth. It’s obvious that from Genesis to Revelation, contentment is something we search for but often struggle to find. It can feel like the carrot inches away but still dangling just out of reach.

In his letter to the church in Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote, “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.” Paul penned these words during one of his many imprisonments and knew well the struggle of contentment. This is important for us today because the same struggle exists, but it’s possible to learn the secret Paul learned years ago.

Take a moment and think about the years of your life. Think about some of the greatest struggles or circumstances you’ve faced. Are you able to see how God protected you and kept you close? Can you see how God wanted to turn your hardships into a lesson of His grace? For Paul, there were seasons of being chained up in prison and seasons of poverty including thirst, hunger, and sleeplessness. He was shipwrecked, anxious, and even beaten multiple times, which included being stoned. Yet, in all of this, he learned the secret of being content.

Paul knew the secret to his contentment was only through Jesus. The hope of Christ was with him in the jail cell when he felt cold and alone, and it was with him when he preached the gospel and thousands got saved. His contentment was outside of himself and rooted in Jesus. And the same can be true for you today. No matter what storm you’re facing or dream you keep chasing, the secret of being content is found in knowing that Christ sees you. Despite all of your broken pieces, He loves you, welcomes you in, and wants you to rest in Him!

Pause: What area of your life do you struggle with contentment and how might you release it to God today?

Practice: Pray to your heavenly Father who loves you and knows you. Ask Him to create in you a spirit of contentment and gratefulness.

Pray: Father, You know how fickle my heart can be. You know the areas where I’m chasing and striving after something that won’t ultimately fulfill me like You can. Help me to learn the secret of being content just like Paul wrote about, and allow me to detach from the things of this world as I attach to You and Your ways. Amen.

"Content" Lyrics

Verse

Nothing new under the sun

Not one thing that has not been done

Growing up is dumbing down

Our phone’s got GPS but

We’re still lost, still wandering

Along this winding road we call our home

Chorus

This heart it needs a healer

This heart it needs a friend

If the art of moving forward is to be content then

Why are we all still searching?

Verse

They say “money makes the world go ‘round”

But somehow I haven’t found just

Quite enough to make me happy

The more I get the more I need

Great is the poverty

Inside my soul- a void that’s never filled

Chorus

This heart it needs a healer

This heart it needs a friend

If the art of moving forward is to be content

Why are we all still searching?

Bridge

Zeros and dollar signs

Heroes in suits and ties

I’m just trying to find the fix

And I know it ‘aint in politics

You are the remedy

You are the air I breathe

I know we’re all searching

For the reason we’re still breathing

It’s You