POST 59: Finding Contentment
POST 59
Finding Contentment
You cannot have everything. I want to be satisfied with what I have and able to appreciate those who love and surround me. Most people define happiness as having everything you want, but sometimes that still feels empty. For me, being able to love everybody in my life is the best happiness.
Arthur
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Have you heard that saying before? It’s based on a popular Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, and used freely in Christian circles.
I (Kristel) remember hearing that phrase when I was younger and picturing a battle scene in my mind. I had armor and a huge sword, and I was running into a fight—a fight I was going to win because God had given me strength.
But actually, that’s not what that verse is about at all. When you zoom out and read the verse in the context of the verses before and after it in Scripture, you find that it’s about contentment. About being okay with what you have and what you don’t—or with who you are and who you’re not.
Paul, the writer of this letter to his friends in Philippi, is thanking the Philippian church for taking care of him. He expresses his belief that he can be content no matter the circumstance because he is getting to fulfill God’s purpose for his life of building up the church.
I know a thing or two about contentment . . . and discontentment.
For many years, I felt frustrated with my life. It didn’t seem like anything was going my way. I couldn’t find contentment, and it made me feel guilty. Was I not living out Philippians 4:13? Paul said he could find contentment no matter what. Why couldn’t I?
One night, as I sat around a fire with my small group from church, my friend told me, “Maybe you’re feeling a holy discontent.”
I had to think about that. I didn’t want to mistakenly claim that I was righteous in my feelings if I wasn’t. I had to spend intentional time in prayer asking God to show me why I was unhappy and how I could find the happiness I was searching for.
Becoming Content in Your Purpose
After a lot of prayer and conversations with people I trusted, I concluded that I wasn’t living in God’s purpose for my life—this was the source of my discontentment. And when you’re not living out God’s purpose for your life, you won’t find happiness either.
God had created me in a specific way, and I knew how I wanted to live out God’s purpose for me. There were circumstances, however, that were preventing me from doing that.
Little by little, I began to make changes and seek opportunities that would align with my passions and skills and what I thought was God’s purpose for me. Those changes weren’t big or flashy. And they didn’t make me famous or rich. But they were fulfilling. And eventually, I became content.
READING GOD’S WORD
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:10–13 NIV)
REFLECT AND RESPOND
Journaling Questions
What do you think your purpose is?
What opportunities can you seek that will lead you to your purpose?
Why is purpose an important part of contentment?
Pray This Prayer
God, help me to be content in any circumstance. I know that as long as I am walking in your purpose, I don’t have to worry about fame, money, or recognition. I can be content knowing that I am fulfilling what you want for my life. I’m grateful for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Gratitude plays a big role in contentment. Paul demonstrated this in his letter to the Philippians when he thanked them for the gifts they sent.
What are you thankful for?
Make a gratitude list of your own. If you love to draw, it could be fun to draw the different things you’re thankful for. Give it a try!
THE TAKEAWAY
When you live into God’s purpose, you can find contentment, no matter the circumstances.