A poet once wrote: “As a rule, man’s a fool. When it’s hot, he wants it
cool. And when it’s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting what is not.”What an
insightful observation on human nature! So when we read in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in
whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible?
For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s
response to life: “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 everything through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). Paul’s relationship
with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based
on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ.
Paul reminds us that contentment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s
something that we learn. As our relationship with God develops over time and
through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. Paul knew
that Christ would give him the strength to persevere in whatever situation he
encountered (v.13).
No matter what you’re facing today, through prayer you can receive the
strength to be content.
We find contentment at the same place we find salvation—in God. (RBC)
