Philippians 4:12(ESV)
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
Our anchor Scripture admonishes every child of God to cultivate contentment. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi while a prisoner. Even in prison, he learned to be content in all situations. Paul discovered that his satisfaction, fulfillment, or welfare was not in the material things around him. But in Christ, he could enjoy peace and purpose at all times. It is only in Christ that we understand the reason for all things. So, as the followers of Jesus Christ, we need to be content spiritually, financially, materially, and in our marriages. When we are content with what we have, we will not indulge in ungodly or immoral acts to get what we do not have. Contentment is a vital virtue that money cannot buy. Contentment is the product of a heart resting in God. It is the blessed assurance that God does all things well.
In today’s world, many people continue to seek after more of the things of this world, never content with their lot in life. Lack of contentment kills people’s conscience. And when the conscience is dead, people commit all manner of evil. Many get jealous and envious. However, self-content will prevent us from being envious of people who are being celebrated for faithfully discharging their duties to the glory of God. In other words, focusing on others’ possessions often results in envy and jealousy. Yet God’s Word lifts our eyes to something of far greater worth than earthly possessions. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these, we will be content.” Contentment is to know that God is in control of all things. He is bigger than any problems we can and will ever have, and He will work them all out for our good if we belong to Him. In Him, we will find contentment. Forever He will never let us down. When God is our source of happiness, we are sincerely content, for there is a space within us only God can fill. He alone can give us the peace that matches our hearts. There is nothing we go through that we don’t have the power to endure because our strength is of the Lord.
Beloved, be satisfied with what you have in order to live in total obedience to God instead of being at the mercy of the devil. Godliness with contentment is a great gain. Appreciate God for what you have so that unbelievers will see the light and glorify our Father in Heaven. Always rejoice in the Lord. Stay connected to God through prayer and the Word of God. Regardless of your circumstances, express your joy found through Christ. In recounting all God has done in your life, you realize how blessed you are. Let your thoughts reside not on your own inadequacies or on what you do not have but on Christ’s sufficiency. Never allow the process of getting rich to deny you the ultimate satisfaction and joy in Christ Jesus. Set your mind on things above and not on things on earth, for you can do through Christ what you cannot do in and of yourself. You have Christ, and that is all you need. Christ in you is the hope of glory and the guarantee that everything else you could ever require is already in you. Guard your heart against greed and covetousness; never allow them to kill your conscience. No matter what you may be going through, God is ever with you, able and willing to help, for He is a very present help in trouble. The Lord will satisfy your mouth with every good thing that you need in this season and beyond in Jesus’ Name. Like Apostle Paul, boldly confess that you too have learned to be content in plenty or in lack.
O Lord, help me to be content in all circumstances of life. Give me a contented heart that looks to You for my strength, support, and supply in Jesus’ Name.