Learning Contentment

Learning contentment is an amazing experience! At one point in my life I felt this was impossible! I thought it was all about me changing myself so that I could feel content.

Then one day while reading a book "Your Money Counts", I saw the uniqueness of the following verses and with prompting from the Lord, began to understand the truth that sets us free!

Let's look at what Paul says in Philipians 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 all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

A couple of important points to think about. Verse 11 - Paul speaks of "learning to be content". Who is teaching him? How is he learning? What is his job in this?

This is Truth! Jesus is his teacher. Jesus is taking him through good times and bad, through hunger and being full. In his experiences, Paul has learned to be content in "any and every situation" through Christ who has given him strength! Through our situations in life we go through difficult and good times and as we go through them we can choose to cling close to Christ who is our teacher!

What is our job in that? Simply to learn - learning to trust God in every circumstance, knowing that our present circumstances exist to help us learn the Truth!

In trusting we demonstrate our faith. We come to know that He is faithful and worthy of our trust. Without faith it is impossible to please God, for He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!