“Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.”(unknown author)
Most people in the world today are seeking some kind of contentment. Some seek it through purchasing a new house or a fancy car, or as many other items as their hearts desire. Others seek to find contentment by sacrificing possessions and living a simple life, free from temporal things. Some equate contentment with happiness, others with simply being resigned to the fact that we won’t ever get everything we desire.
But the truth is that real contentment can only be found through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we have everything we need and so much more… When the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the church in Philippi, here is what he had to say about contentment:
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
The amazing part about this passage is that Paul was writing this letter from prison. He knew that whether he was in prison or in a palace, in any circumstance, he could be content, for Christ was with him. Paul found his identity in Christ. He knew that the source of his satisfaction, hope, strength and riches was found in Christ. With confidence, Paul could say that satisfaction and contentment are found in Christ alone, a lesson he learned this through many trials.
What about you? Do you find yourself hoping in something other than Christ to satisfy? Perhaps a new job, or a relationship, or health. All those are good things, but only Christ can satisfy.
Paul knew that through Christ, he could do all things… even be content in seeming hopeless circumstances. We have this same promise today… that the same God that empowered Paul to be content in prison, is at work in our lives today.
Prayer: Father thank you for the example of Paul. Thank you that in every situation he faced, that he learned to be content in You alone. I am grateful that You will continue to work in me, and show me the true contentment that is found in You. Forgive me for the times I look to something other than You to satisfy, and show me the futility of those pursuits. Keep me clinging to You as my sole source of satisfaction and joy. You are great and I rejoice in You.
[copyright, 2009, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]
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Thanks a lot for your daily encouragement. Go bless you.