Contentment
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I
have learned in whatever state I am, to be content
Wow, this is a powerful statement
Paul is making here. I don’t think I fully understood the power behind this
statement until I remembered that Paul was writing this to the church of Philippi while in prison. Paul had been shipwrecked, imprisoned, bitten by a
snake, beaten, thrown out of towns, blind for three days, had people plot to
kill him, and so much more. And throughout all of these experiences, he’s
learned to be content. This is the type
of contentment and joy I strive for everyday.
Being content in my seasons in life and not just waiting for the next
one to start is something God has really been challenging me with. Not just
that but being content when things change. When things don’t go my way, it’s
always a challenge to see things with God’s perspective and to be content with
where He has me in life.
It goes on in verse 12 to say that
Paul knows how to be content when He is both abased and abound. He can live
with nothing, going hungry, and be content, and be full and have his needs
provided for and be content. To be content all situations in life, and seek
after Him no matter what season He has me in is something that he challenges me
with practically every day. I can do all
things when I have God’s strength. I can be content and filled with His joy in
the worst of situations. God desires for me to seek after Him in all things and
never doubt or question His provision for me and my life.
Application: I will write out a
prayer for a heart of contentment and joy in all seasons of my life. I will
pray for a heart eager to learn the things God has for me in the season that
I’m in.
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