Philippians chapter 4 verses 11-13 (NIV)
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.
Contentment is something most people aim for but they think it can be achieved in many different ways. People think it can be achieved by striving for things like status, success or wealth. But that’s not what Paul says here to the Philippians. He says that it’s a secret that can be learned. He also says that the secret comes from “him who gives me strength.” To me, therefore I can only learn what true contentment means by spending time with the Lord. As I do so, I think that’s when God begins to change our attitudes. We realise that we can have that sense of contentment in God’s presence, whether we are prospering materially or not. In these days when more and more people are striving to achieve but finding less satisfaction, we need to share that secret with them, but we need to first practice it for ourselves. And it’s simple. We need to spend more time with the One who gives us strength.
Dear Lord,
Help me not to rush about doing things, but to come quietly and humbly into Your Presence where true contentment is to be found. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen