“Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned in whatsoever state that I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11 .KJV.
Content. Does this mean the same as happy? Not necessarily. Satisfied? Maybe not. Circumstances in our lives can cause us to feel sad, and we can continue to strive to change our situation. But content. That requires a certain level of trust.
We know that whatever is happening in our lives may be temporary. Happier times may come, more troubles may be around the bend. But, we don’t have to be distressed about this. Paul continues to explain in the next verse. He shares his own experience. “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” A dear old friend of our family used to have this answer when asked if he’d seen such troubling happenings in his lifetime. “Plenty times, son. Plenty times.”
Paul reveals the source of his contentment in verse 13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” There it is. The firm foundation we are looking for. The home base we come back to, no matter the changing weather, whether our flowers are blooming or they have shriveled in the heat. Jesus. Our Rock and our Fortress. Our source of strength. Amen and Amen.
Jenny,
You are so right, contentment comes because of faith. I just heard about a friend that died. He was a believer. But my first reaction was shock and sadness. He was too young. But then I read this post. I am still sad, but I am also content because I know that God will still provide for his family. He will make this into something good.
Thanks for your comment, Randy. Praying God will help you work through the shock and sadness in your life. He is always with us, even in the sad times.