Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13
Journal: How content are you? How tied is
your level of contentment to your moods, feelings, or circumstances? How do you grow in true contentment?
Reflection:
Paul said, “For I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances.” Wait,
what? For most of us, contentment is dependent
upon our circumstances, so how is it possible to be content whatever the
circumstances? The answer: Only in
Christ.
Contentment means to be
satisfied with what one has and free from the need of external aid or circumstances. Paul is saying that, no matter what his
circumstances or situation, he is a soul at rest. He is not a victim or a helpless
bystander. He has learned to live his
life, rather than allowing his life to live him.
And he says he has learned
to be content. It was not something
that came naturally. The word for learned
in the Greek is manthanō. It
means to direct the mind in such a way that it produces a desired result. Thus, contentment is a discipline, it is
something that is learned through practice and experience. In other words, Paul had to train himself to
be content, through consistently choosing to be content, in Christ, through any
and every circumstance.
We would be wise to follow
his lead. For we do not have to allow our
circumstances to have free reign over our thoughts and feelings. In fact, if we do that we are in for one hell
of a ride. No, we must choose to be
content, in Christ, regardless of the circumstances. For only then will we be able to live and
love freely, the way God desires us to.
Prayer
Closing
Prayer: Teach me, Lord Jesus, how to be content in you
this day. For I cannot do it on my
own. Amen.
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