"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. (12) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little. Philippians 4:11-12. NLT
True contentment can be called a source of satisfaction in which happiness and peace reside. Here, Paul is saying how he learned to live with nothing and with everything. He had learned the art of true contentment.
Many people today are desperately searching for some form of contentment. Some seek it in nice houses paid for by highly paid jobs and every conceivable luxury to accompany this. But deep down, are they really content? Other people, work all hours under the sun just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Many are content, but many aren't.
Bob Gass comments, 'When your contentment is based on status or possessions, it can be taken away in an instant. But when it's based on your relationship with Jesus, nothing, absolutely nothing, can rob you of it.' You see, the contentment that the world seeks is built on riches - what size is their bank balance, the size of their house and what top of the range car they're driving at this time. This very comfortable life style can be so temporary. As we see now, with the Covid 19 pandemic, businesses are folding on a daily basis and there are more redundancies and threats of losing homes than there has been for many years.
There is no contentment in placing our trust in worldly things. People who do this are building their houses on sand. When flood and high winds of life come along, their house may collapse. However, who builds their house on the rock (Jesus), withstands all that is thrown at them. (Matthew 7:24-27).
There is only one true source of contentment and that is in Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can truly satisfy our need. What's more, when we put our trust in Him, He takes care of us. Yes, it may be difficult at times, with many struggles. But Jesus never promised that it would be plain sailing to follow Him. He suffered, so we can expect to suffer as well, at times. But one thing He did promise us was eternal life. As Christians, we will live forever with true contentment.
Are you a Christian who is struggling at the moment. If so, keep going because your success may be just around the corner. Don't give up now, you may miss it. The tide's coming in with your ship on the water. Things will change for the better. Just keep your eyes on Jesus. He won't let you down.
Sit and rest a while in His presence. Be quiet and let Him talk to you instead of you doing all of the talking. You will be blessed by what you hear!
Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard
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