CONTENT THROUGH CHRIST

“I can be content in every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.”

CONTENT IN ANY SITUATION?

We don’t talk much about contentment in our society. We talk about happiness. We say, “I’m happy (or unhappy) with my job, my house, my kids.” Not surprising since our culture claims “the pursuit of happiness” is a human right. We’re constantly bombarded by messages telling us we deserve to be happy and offering ways to get there. But the Apostle Paul doesn’t say anything about being happy. He talks about being content.

Paul says, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength [Philippians 4:11-13, The Voice]. What makes Paul’s assertion extraordinary is that he was in prison when he made it.

THE POWER TO BE CONTENT

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines content as “satisfied, not needing more.” How can Paul be satisfied in prison? The answer to that question comes a few verses earlier when Paul says, “Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything….And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.” [Philippians 4:6-7]

Paul doesn’t claim to be content in every circumstance on his own strength. He tells us Jesus Christ gives him that power. He assures us Jesus will give us the power to be content if we pray.

OUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES

When I take inventory of my contentment with my circumstances, I find areas I need to pray about.

• Family: I have one child (grown), and I’m content with our adult friendship. But I’m filled with regrets from the years she was growing up. I need to pray for strength to be content with the past.
• Income: I enjoy my home, and I’m content with my income. But I worry about the rising cost of living. I need to pray for the strength to be content with the future.
• Health: I have multiple sclerosis, a disease that can be completely disabling. I’m grateful my MS is stable and I’m content living on my own. But I complain daily about my MS fatigue. I need to pray for the power to be content with the present.

YOUR TURN

Take your own contentment inventory. What areas do you need to pray about?

PRAYER

Jesus, our power and strength, help us learn to be content in every circumstance of our lives.