"How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." (Philippians 4:10-12 NLT)
It's easy to be content when you've had a great meal and are kicking back with friends and family. It's also easy when you're watching your children or grandchildren on Christmas Day as they play with their toys and squeal with joy. But what about the rest of our days? What about when the phone won't stop ringing, the traffic is terrible, your best friend said something mean, or you're overwhelmed with work or caring for a loved one? The apostle Paul said he is never really in need because he has learned to be content, no matter what situation he finds himself in.
Did you catch that? He has learned to be content. For me, this takes some of the pressure off. Being content in the midst of life's difficulties is not something that comes easily. And that's okay. Looks like contentment is something we need to learn.
How Do We Learn Contentment?
I'm tempted to say, "Beats me." If we look at our situation and try to convince ourselves we're content, that's an uphill battle we'll probably lose. When our feelings are hurt, our nerves are frazzled, and we want to cry, telling ourselves "it's all good" is just a lie. And we know it. Learning contentment involves something else.In an earlier blog post I spoke of focusing on the Lord. This is still the best way I believe we can learn contentment. If we can stop our feelings for a moment and give our worries to God, it can free us to go on with our day. Giving our worries to Him means we trust He's got everything under control.
Once we rest in that fact, it is much easier to be content. Let's remind ourselves that God has got this. And then LET Him take care of things. Being content in all situations is tough. But with enough practice, I believe it's a skill we can learn.
What about you? Have you ever been in a situation where you realized you were content, even though your situation was not ideal? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts and look forward to chatting with you this week.
