Contentment

Imagine being in prison and being content. The Apostle Paul knew all about suffering. In perhaps the greatest statement in all the Scriptures on contentment, Paul wrote about it from a Roman prison. For we read: “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 4:11-13).

Another time Paul and Silas were thrown into prison because they had caused  quite a commotion by casting out a spirit from a female slave who has brought their owners a great deal of money from fortune-telling. We read about this incident in (Acts 16): “The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:22-25). Paul once again, even though he was severely beaten and in prison, found time to sing praises to God.

Paul, through his sufferings, had learned the great secret of how to be content even when very negative circumstances hit. It is important to understand that contentment isn’t a natural response when trials happen – it has to be learned.   

(James 1:2) tells us: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” I believe that the secret to learning to be content and having joy is, when trials come our way, to become totally dependent on Jesus. And when hardships, sufferings, and trials come our way it is critical that we realize that God often sends them our way so we can learn to rely completely on Jesus. And rather then bear our burdens Jesus wants us to cast them on Him. 

Just as a baby is totally dependent on their parents for just about everything, we need to be totally dependent on our heavenly Father as well. When we do this some amazing things will happen. Peace and joy are by-products of a life dependent on Jesus. Keeping our minds on Jesus and staying continuously in His presence will generate peace and joy no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. (Isaiah 26:3) tells us: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” And (Psalm 16:11) adds: “…In Your presence is fullness of joy…” As we discipline ourselves to spend time in prayer, meditating on Scripture, and cultivate a vibrant devotional time, I believe we will see major changes in our walk with the Lord and our contentment level; no matter what the circumstances.

When we read in (Philippians 4:13) that: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” I believe that encompasses peace and joy when we are going through trails and sufferings because we are letting Jesus take care of everything. Our role is to realize that life on earth is training for eternity and that Jesus will work all things for good for us (Romans 8:28). We can just relax in Jesus because not only does He have your back but we get to experience the incredible joy in knowing when we persevere through negative circumstances we bring glory to God. And to me knowing that I can bring glory to God, no matter what the circumstances, brings me great contentment.

In closing I challenge you to mediate on (2 Corinthians 4:17): “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” I don’t know about you but to have a bank account with a balance of an “eternal weight of glory” brings me great contentment!