In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul says he has learned to be content in every situation. So, what is the secret to contentment? How can we too learn to be content in Christ? Here, I’ve put together three ‘secrets’ to contentment in the Bible.
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Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to be more content in Christ. What does it mean to be content with life, anyway?
I’m at a place in my life where I’m feeling quite DIScontented. After many years of feeling ‘stuck’, I’m finally seeing new things happening, progress being made, and hope on the horizon.
And it’s precisely because I’m seeing these hopeful developments, that I’m also feeling increasingly discontent. As in, I want to be THERE already! I want to move on to the next phase of my life, but it’s just not time yet.
Can you relate?
I think we’re all waiting on something in life. Anxious to grow up, to graduate, to marry or have kids, to get a better job, to grow spiritually, to get that raise, etc. etc. etc. No matter where we are in life, it’s always a struggle to be content with what we have (or don’t have).
Contentment in the Bible: It’s All About Jesus!
I just recently finished this new Philippians 4:13 hand-lettered design. And it’s so poignant that I was creating it at this particular time in my life, when I really needed that lesson on being content in Christ.
See, contentment in the Bible is always about putting our greatest hope in God. In this world, we will always be tempted to long for the next great thing in life. More love, better friendships, more money, more compliments, fame and notoriety, and the list goes on. But none of the people or things we’ll ever have here on earth, can come close to Jesus Christ. He is the ONE who will never leave nor forsake us, who paid the price for our sins to be forgiven, and who has prepared a place for us in heaven.
I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NRSV)
I think that’s what caused Paul to say “I have learned the secret (to be content in every situation)”. Because he knew that regardless of what he did or didn’t have in terms of earthly things, his strength came from his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
3 Ways to Increase Contentment in Your Life
But still, it’s not easy, this learning to be content thing. Finding peace in God doesn’t just happen—it requires actively seeking Him! We can find contentment in the Bible—the living and active Word of God (Hebrews 4:12).
With that in mind, here are three ways we can choose to be content in Christ, regardless of our present circumstances. Some of these are things I’ve been learning, and some are things I want to do more of in my own life. All are good, not just for right now, but every day of our lives.
1) Remember what God has done for you in the past, and what His Word says.
Of course, this starts first and foremost with Jesus, God’s greatest gift to each of us. We mustn’t forget that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made it possible for our sins to be forgiven, so we can have a real relationship with God. Do you know Jesus personally? It’s in knowing him, in true repentance and forgiveness of sins, and being adopted into the family of God, that we find true contentment.
Beyond that, it’s good to look back in our own life and remember how God has answered our prayers, ways God has helped us through difficult situations…and how He promises to continue to help us going forward.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (NIV)
2) Look for the ways God is growing you in and through your current situation.
This is a tough one, but a good one. You and I might be unhappy with our current situation, but if we’re still here, we must consider that there is a reason for it. How is God growing you? Perhaps He is using you to be a blessing to others in this season? Or, how might He be preparing you for the future?
We could always be praying for contentment, to simply learn to be at peace in the current situation. But what if we pray “Heavenly Father, you know I’m anxious and fidgeting, wishing I could move onto a ‘better’ season. Would you show me how you’re using this time to grow me and use me for good? Help me to have patience and perseverance on this journey with You, no matter what my current circumstances are.”
That kind of prayer takes us from just surviving, to THRIVING, and seeing for ourselves what Romans 8:28 says: “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him”. HE who promised is always faithful.
3) Thank God for the blessings He’s given you.
It’s a known fact: gratitude improves everything, from our outlook on life, to our mood, to our behavior. No wonder the Bible has lots to say about giving thanks to God! (See 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 3:17, Daniel 2:23, and Philippians 4:6, just to name a few).
So, let’s remember to thank God for the good gifts He’s given us. Just a few places to start: The breath in our lungs, life-giving sunshine and rain, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, wisdom, good people in our lives (name them specifically), transportation to work, a job or business, eyes to see, ears to hear, and so much more…
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)
See how much wisdom there is about contentment in the Bible? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to study God’s Word, and find contentment in His Presence, His provision, and His power. He is MORE than enough.
Hi! Thank you so much for visiting Divine Creative Love. I’m a Jesus-lovin’ girl, lettering artist, designer, and general creative-at-heart. And, I have narcolepsy. I blog about faith in God, overcoming challenges, and creative topics such as Bible journaling. If you’re new here, be sure and subscribe to my list so you won’t miss anything!
Thank your Barbara Austin….I was blessed through this message….God bless you and give you more grace.
You’re welcome Congrates! Much love to you. ❤️