Jerry Maxfield, Guest Contributor

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Do you mean what you say?

This passage from the Apostle Paul is well known and oft-quoted. You and I can repeat his words, but they often become empty rhetoric rather than something applicable to our daily lives.

For context, look at what precedes this bold statement in scripture.  Paul is describing contentment.  He challenges us to “be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6) and to allow the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds.  Paul even declares that he has learned to be content in whatever circumstance he finds himself.  Can you say that with conviction?  I don’t know about you, but for me, this is easier said than done!

Contentment can be defined as a state of peaceful happiness. It can also mean accepting or being satisfied with a particular thing or condition. With those definitions in mind, can you honestly be content with an unwanted health diagnosis or a strained financial situation?  How about being “happy” with an unjust decision or an undeserved action against you?

True spiritual contentment is fully trusting in Jesus Christ to be Who He says He is in your life. Our contentment rests on genuine humility in His sovereignty and His promises. When Moses questioned his own inadequacies, the Lord said to him in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM.” We, too, can trust in Who He is. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is faithful. And through it all, He will not forsake us. He promises. We can be content in knowing just that.

The late evangelical author and Navigator, Jerry Bridges, frames a desired posture for the contented heart before the Lord with this prayer:

Lord, I am willing.
I am willing to receive what You give,
…to lack what You withhold,
…to relinquish what you take,
…to suffer what you inflict
…and to be what you require.

Are you willing? 

If so, you will find contentment.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Finding Contentment” by Bryant Wright