The Secret of Being Content
“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 things through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:11-13
Some people tell me that they are too tired of life. They are tired of living; tired of working, of providing, of waking up in the morning and going to bed at night. They are tired of being busy, multi-tasking, doing so many things all at once.
But our life is only busy because we value busyness. If we valued simplicity, our lives would become simple.
Many people fear of being simple – of letting go complexity and the trappings of daily life that are not really important but that we give importance to. There is a fear of being different; fear of being an outcast, and fear of appearing less intelligent.
God promised He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), so you don’t have to fear being alone. Scripture says the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God’s sight (1 Corinthians 3:19), so why think about what other people will say.
The Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Philippians that he had learned to be content, no matter what his circumstances. The true secret of being content lies in your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Paul had experienced a life changing event on the road to Damascus that transformed him from the hard, cruel, religious leader he had been most of his life to a truly “born again” person who had come to know the reality of Jesus Christ. Paul knew the truth of who Jesus was and how meaningful Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection was, and he had learned through many adverse circumstances that nothing could take away his relationship with the true living God. In fact, it was the depth of his relationship with Jesus Christ that gave Paul the strength to endure.
Paul had experienced a life changing event on the road to Damascus that transformed him from the hard, cruel, religious leader he had been most of his life to a truly “born again” person who had come to know the reality of Jesus Christ. Paul knew the truth of who Jesus was and how meaningful Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection was, and he had learned through many adverse circumstances that nothing could take away his relationship with the true living God. In fact, it was the depth of his relationship with Jesus Christ that gave Paul the strength to endure.
Surely Paul, the disciples, and the early Christians endured much more hardship than any of us today will ever have to experience, and yet they remained confident that God loved them.
Although I, too, had a “Damascus Road” experience and came to know the true born again salvation of Jesus Christ, it wasn’t until many years later that I came to understand just how much God really loves me. And along with the growing knowledge of His love has come a peace and contentment like I have never known before.
Although I, too, had a “Damascus Road” experience and came to know the true born again salvation of Jesus Christ, it wasn’t until many years later that I came to understand just how much God really loves me. And along with the growing knowledge of His love has come a peace and contentment like I have never known before.
For you see, it’s in the living through the circumstances of every moment of every day, and allowing God to lead us, that we experience His love and His provision. It’s not something “out there, down the road,” that’s going to happen. It’s in every moment of every day, whether good or bad.
I have learned to live in the moment, not looking back to what could have been, what should have been or what has been, and not anxiously awaiting some point in the future where things hopefully will be better. I have learned “whatever state I am in, therewith to be content,” for God is ever present and He is leading me one step at a time, one day at a time down the path of the rest of my life. It is the depth of my relationship with Him and the depth of the knowledge of His love that is the secret of being content.
When we let go of material things, we release their hold on us and free ourselves to enjoy the every day miracles that grace our lives: a golden sunset, silvery clouds, waves rolling ashore, the stars beading the night time sky. “Seek first the kingdom of God
May God give you all the joy, peace, comfort and strength, whatever your circumstances may be. God bless us all!
