The holidays can be a very difficult time to feel content. You may be reminded of loved ones who passed, or where you thought you would be by this time of your life, or how much you miss a former partner. But true contentment is something that cannot be filled by any of those things
and this world will try to help you by saying.
Feeling sad? Get coffee.
Feeling insecure? Get in shape.
Feeling inadequate? Do some retail therapy.
Feeling hurt? Post on social media.
That is the advice this world gives us when we feel empty. It’s not that this advice is necessarily harmful (although it certainly can be) it’s that it does not address the root of the hurting.
Contentment, in the Biblical sense, is not talking about being happy, biblical contentment means completely relying on Christ. Meaning, Christ is enough for you despite your current circumstances. You can still mourn and be content, you can still feel insecure and be content because you are relying on Christ to heal you not materials, likes, and accomplishments. Those things may make you feel better in the moment but they are not a long-term solution.
Philippians 4:10-13, “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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.”
In this verse, Paul is addressing the Philippian church and thanking them for their gifts. They have taken care of Paul and he is showing appreciation but also telling them his contentment is not reliant on what he is given, but on the one who gives life.
It is so easy to not be content in our world, we are tricked by being told if we buy this or do that, we will finally be content. But it always falls short because contentment only comes from Jesus. Paul has learned that because he knows Jesus, he has all he needs. This world will fade away and so will all of its stuff but Christ will remain true and alive beyond our days. It may be tempting to live beyond our means but once we understand that Jesus is what our soul truly desires, material possessions lose their pull.
Dissatisfaction can also come from wanting to advance in our career, make more money, get married; lust over the future. Lust is so much more than a sexual act, Oswald Chambers describes lust as wanting anything before its time. When we are content with what we have and where we are in life we accept that we are where God wants us currently. God is working all things out, and in time we may be able to see why.
With that said, contentment is no easy task, it takes time with God, discipline, wisdom, and great faith. However, we have a God who meets with us and can change our heart’s desires to align with his. Paul knew even if he lost everything, was hated by the whole world, and died tomorrow, he would be reunited with Christ; making him content in all things.
Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you (plant in you) the desires of your heart.”
Sources: Bible Gateway, NLT Bible, Word Meanings in the New Testament. By Ralph Earle.
