Contentment

Over the past few months we have been studying Philippians in our Bible Study. The type of study we are doing, encourages us to dig really deep into the passage, which has helped me gain a better understanding of what Paul is saying in this book.

Paul was in prison while he wrote the book of Philippians. It is humbling to hear him say in Philippians 4:11-13:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Not that Paul obtained contentment immediately – he said he LEARNED to be content. I know the Christian walk is a process. But contentment is something I am striving for daily because there have been enough incidences in my life that have thrown off what I think will make me content. I thought I would play basketball for a few more years. I thought I would have kids at a younger age. I thought I would HAVE my own kid. I thought I wouldn’t be dealing with my heart issues this long in life. But ya know what? It’s okay! And I can honestly say that. I can honestly say I am okay with how life is going. It took TIME to be content with our life situation – trust me! I definitely still have moments of discontentment. But Christ was content – understanding His purposes here on earth. He was content to the point where He realized He was going to die. Yes He went to the garden and cried out to God; yet He did not lose His focus. I want that same desire and determination! I want my focus to be so zeroed in, that it reflects contentment for whatever circumstance we may be in.

I came home from Bible study saying to Dan “I don’t want to talk about what I WANT anymore”. Why not be content with what I have? Not saying we aren’t going to buy things anymore. It’s just the attitude for which we are buying them. Are we buying it just to please our wants? Bad idea – I will never satisfy what I may think is a “void” in my life. NOTHING can fill those desires, except Jesus Christ. This is going to take some work, but no more “I want this or I want that” talk. I want to be done with that. God has given me EVERYTHING I would ever need, and WAY MORE than I ever deserve or need. Be content Kristin.

One more thing – verse 13. I truly believe I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. But my study notes had a good point – the word “do” actually translates into “to have power.” So the verse should say: “I have sufficient strength/power for all circumstances through Him who strengthens me.” I like that because I think sometimes it’s easy to think we are going to have everything we want and conquer the world when we read that verse. But no, it’s more or less God will give us the STRENGTH to go through whatever situation He brings us through – for all we know it may be poverty or wealth. But regardless, we need to keep our focus on the eternal, not on our earthly possessions. God will help us rise above our circumstances if we draw from His power and strength. Not our own.

It’s easy during this time in our life to just want a child. To get so excited about being parents. Yet we have to be careful how far we take that. Is our desire for a child greater than the desire to be in God’s will? If so, our desires are wrong. We need to desire to be in and obey God’s will more than the desire to be parents. We need to let go. I believe God will give us the desires of our hearts – but that’s if our hearts are in accordance with God’s desires. If they are not, then no, it won’t feel like God will give us the desires of our hearts. That is why I am learnING (not learnED) to be content.

Contentment. Are you content? What will it take for you TO be content?