Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4: 8 - 12
We know that Paul’s life was not without ups and downs. He experienced times of abundance; having the things he needed to be comfortable, such as wealth, food and material possessions. He also experienced great suffering; being in need, hungry and going without. But, through this he does not boast of his fortune or misfortune. He doesn’t grumble or argue. He is not victim to his circumstances. His dependence on God helps him overcome the things he faced. He faith means he is victorious over all circumstances.
It is easy to have spiritual ups and downs alongside our physical ups and downs. When life isn’t going in the direction we hoped for we can withdraw from the presence of God and turn to other means of finding help and happiness. Paul warns against this and finds contentment in the things that Christ provides. His happiness does not depend on circumstances or things and his joy comes from something deeper.
So, how does one experience contentment?
Paul learns through his hardships, that the true secret of contentment is simply dependence on God. He urges the Philippians earlier in the chapter to not give in to fear, but instead to express their worries, needs and thanksgivings to God who would give them peace.
In the passage, Paul talks of being content as something that is to be learned. We need to be aware of the discontentment in our naturally sinful heart, and our tendency to turn to things other than God to fill us up. C.S Lewis put this beautifully saying, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing” (Mere Christianity, p. 136–137).
You can start developing a mindset of contentment by making an effort to focus on the good things you have so that you can see beauty and grace in all things. Instead of focusing on what is wrong with things, set your sights on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. I encourage you to today to be aware of your discontentment and try to replace those thoughts with ones that honour the sovereignty of God and all that he provides for you.
Verse 13 says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength”. This reminds us that through Christ and His union with us, we are fully equipped to do his will. This may not always look like succeeding and getting things right the first time. It’s an encouragement for times of injustice or failure and reminds us that we can get through it because God is our identity and with him all things are possible.
I encourage you to meditate on these truths as you listen to Steffany Gretzinger’s song, No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fpUvEKd91w.
Blessings.
Ms Hickey.
