An Introduction to Contentment

The first memory verse in this study is written by the apostle Paul in Philippians.
(To download the memory verse card click on the image below.)



When we read these verses and look at Paul’s life we realize how amazing these verses are. Paul lead an extremely difficult life, one that included being beaten, imprisoned and shipwrecked. And yet he said, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances”. The greatest thing about these words is that contentment can be learned!

Paul learned it. This means I can learn it!

Paul follows this declaration with the secret of being content!

At all times, in all circumstances, Christ is able and willing to provide the strength we need to be content. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” How exactly does God enable us to be content. Well, we receive strength when we spend time in His Word. As we spend time reading and meditating on God’s infallible Word our weak bodies and souls are filled with Christ’s strength. The more time we spend in scripture and allow it to transform us to be more like Him the more content we will be.

So what does it mean to be content?
The dictionary definition says that contentment is the state being satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else. This is a definition of contentment based on situations and material things. Paul, however, is talking about a spiritual contentment.

Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have.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. As our relationship with God develops over time and through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. We learn that God will help us to persevere through anything he decides to put in our paths.

A Prescription for Contentment

Linda Dillow gives five helpful points in how to be content.
(Click on the image to download it)




Our focus must rest on God and be separate from our circumstances, our feelings and other people. When we fix our eyes on eternity we are able to give up our tomorrow’s to God and live in today. True contentment is internal and must rest on the foundation that God is sovereign. I desire to trust God but how often do I not try to take matters in my own hands. By doing this I take my eyes off of the One who is in control and put my eyes on my circumstances. J.I. Packer wrote “Contentment is essentially a matter of accepting from God’s hand what He sends because we know that He is good and therefore it is good.”

1 Timothy 6:15 says “God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” God is the one who controls my life. Not me. Not my kids. Not my health. Not my financial status. Not my level of education. Not my relationships.

But GOD…the Blessed Controller!