“For I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am” Philippians 4:11 (Amplified).
Contentment in all situations is the goal.
Learning how to be content is the challenge, and that only happens when we realize that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:12)
Contentment is born from a constant yielding and acceptance that the Lord is Sovereign over and in all things. Someone said,
“If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”
When bad things happen to us, we desperately want to change them. It is hard to accept with contentment a loved one who is sick and dying, a child who has decided to stray from the Lord, an estranged relationship, a loss of a career you love, financial hardships, and the aches and pains of an aging body, and younger people who aren’t interested in learning from your experiences (just as we weren’t).
However, as we journey through the pain of these experiences, if we lean hard on Jesus’ grace and sufficiency, we become more content, until finally we accept them. We become quiet – we are no longer disturbed. We rest in Him. We can say with confidence, “
The Lord will accomplish what concerns me.” (Psalm 138:8)
Father, thank You for caring about us and all things that come into our life. Thank You for helping us trust in Your sovereignty and enabling us to be content in whatever state we are in. Amen.
By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Practicing the presence of God
• Something Beautiful of my Life
• Keep Yourselves in God’s Love