Learned Contentment

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:10-19

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”—Philippians 4:13

When we look to the scriptures for inspiration and encouragement, few passages seem as appropriate for the task as Philippians 4:13. It reassures us with Christ, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.    

It’s exhilarating to read this as encouragement to accomplish great things. Yet, put it context, Paul is responding to the benevolence of the Philippian church and its support of his ministry. While thankful for the gift, Paul assures the Philippians he’s learned to be satisfied regardless of his station in life, “…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (v11).  

Whether in humility or prosperity, full or hungry, abundance or need, Paul affirms, with Christ, he doesn’t simply survive those ups and downs, he’s content! Paul has mastered one of the hardest things, to be content and trust God’s sufficiency even through life’s inconsistencies. Paul’s contentment isn’t about doing without, settling, or making do with less. It’s learning to trust and appreciate God’s provisioning through every circumstance. Equally, it’s maintaining humility in seasons of abundance, respecting even times of plenty may be a passing season.  

Contentment is a learned process—“for I have learned….” In some translations, v12 is record as “…in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret…” That secret is rejecting the inclination to fret and worry about our needs and learning to trust God implicitly, especially when times are most desperate. The God who ordains or allows any circumstance we face also provides the grace, strength, and means for us to endure those circumstances.  

To be content in times of want and humble in times of plenty require a mindset of trust and dependency on God. It is a learned strength derived from dependence on God, not independence from circumstances.  

Am I truly at peace trusting God to supply my every need (v19)?

Lesson to Remember:  Contentment isn’t learning to settle for less but learning to trust God more.  

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”—Hebrews 13:5