Living in Contentment

Philippians 4:10-14 (NLT)

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 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 little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Philippians 4:10-14 (ESV)

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

1 Timothy 6:6–8 NLT

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Hebrews 13:5 NLT

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Contentment

CONTENTMENT Internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances. The NT expresses this with the Greek word arkeo and its derivatives. Hebrews 13:5 summarizes the teaching in advising believers to be free of the love of money and to depend on God’s promise not to forsake His people. Food and lodging should be enough for the godly (1 Tim. 6:6–10; cp. Matt. 6:34; contrast Luke 12:19). The believer can be content no matter what the outward circumstances (Phil. 4:11–13). Believers are content to know the Father (John 14:8–9) and depend on His grace (2 Cor. 12:9–10; cp. 2 Cor. 9:8–11).

Hanging behind the check-out register in a Cincinnati candle shop is a large sign which reads:

“There is a very good reason for this sign being here and you standing in front of it reading it. It is here to keep you busy. We realize how annoying it can be just standing around doing nothing, trying to find someone to help you. So, we have this sign here for you to read, and hope that by the time you finish reading it one of our salespeople will have found you.

“P.S. If not, please read this sign again.”

Paul teaches us about living a life of contentment in the midst of uncertainty as he also explains the source of his contentment. Paul lived with contentment through his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Truths about living in contentment…