Contentment

“I have learned to be content in all circumstances.” - Philippians 4:11

            Just the fact that the apostle Paul said he had “learned” to be content, tells me it didn’t come naturally. I can get a little amped up with regards to certain situations that arise in my life. Being content in those situations usually doesn’t cross my mind. I also have had a tendency to overreact to some things as they occur. Being content then is typically the furthest thing from my mind. So, like Paul, I must learn to be content. 

            The Holy Spirit is the teacher who shows us how to be content in all circumstances, but we have to be spiritually tuned in to hear the lesson He is attempting to share with us. That requires quiet, meditative time alone. It doesn’t much matter where we find solitude, what matters is that we do it. I am easily distracted; therefore, I seek out a place with few or no distractions. Then I have to quiet my usually busy mind. I have to rein it in and focus on Christ instead of every other thing around me.

            This may be easy for some, but it is hard for me, and I know I’m not the only person who struggles with quieting their mind. It all hinges the closeness of our walk with the Lord. God desires our company. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” ^{(Phil 2:13 NLT)} Doing what pleases the Lord is one excellent way to become content in all circumstances. How can we know what pleases God if we don’t cultivate our relationship with Him. He’s not hiding. He’s EVERYWHERE!! And He lives IN US in the person of the Holy Spirit. 

            The only way to find personal peace, which is essentially what contentment is, is to work at your relationship with the One who created you. It is a never-ending endeavor which will reap dividends in the end. The reward for seeking contentment this side of heaven is an eternity of peace and contentment with the Lord. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries