Being content in our present circumstances, no matter what they are, is something that many people have a hard time learning and putting into practice. We have been taught in our culture that we should always strive for more, that we should never accept anything less than the best, and this has left many with a perpetual feeling of discontentment. Feeling discontent leads to worry and angst and leaves many with an anxious feeling that they just can’t seem to quell. We long for peace but the world around us tells us we can’t rest, we have to keep moving, we have to want more and we have to be more.
In Philippians 4:11 the Apostle Paul says that he has, “learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Paul knew what it was to be in need and he knew what it was to live in plenty. Paul’s secret to living a content life no matter the circumstances was his faith that God had already gone before him and already knew his needs. Paul found his joy and strength in Christ, not from what was happening in his life, and this allowed him to be content no matter his circumstances (Paul was, after all, writing this letter from a prison cell). Paul wrote that this contentment came from understanding that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him (Philippians 4:13).
Paul could be content in any circumstance because he counted on the strength of Christ to carry him through, not his own strength. Paul tells us to always rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4) and when we do, God will act. In Acts 16 we read about Paul and Silas being thrown in prison unjustly, but their response was to be content in their circumstance. Instead of grumbling and complaining about the injustice, they prayed and sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25). As a result, a violent earthquake shook the prison and the doors of the prison cells were opened. Paul and Silas were free. They were freed not because of something they did in their own strength but because they relied on the strength of Christ.
We need to follow Paul’s example of turning to God in prayer, and giving Him praise, in every situation. When we do so, we will be strengthened by Jesus and we will be able to be content in our circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” How can we possibly be content in ALL of our circumstances, no matter what they are? We pray, petition God, and give Him thanks. And when we do this, the peace of God – a peace that we cannot even understand – will guard our hearts and our minds so that we will be able to be content no matter the circumstances. Allowing Jesus Christ to strengthen us supernaturally through our prayer and praise will extinguish any discontentment we might feel in our daily lives.
Take Action: God wants us to turn to Him and to allow Him to direct our steps. God only wants the best for us, but that doesn’t mean we will not face adversity in our lives. Whether we are in a time of need or in a time of plenty, like the Apostle Paul, we need to turn to God in prayer and in praise no matter the circumstances. Give thanks to God today for the blessings He has bestowed upon you. If you find yourself today in a situation that is leaving you with worry or anxiety, petition God, give Him thanks, and believe that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Meditate on Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Further Study: Read Philippians 4:4-20. Think about and discuss what Paul is telling the Philippians in these verses. It is important to understand here that Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. He wanted the Philippians to understand that joy does not come from our circumstances but true joy comes from Christ alone.