The Secret of Being Content
Main Point: True contentment is found in trusting God more and loving stuff less.
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. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. —Philippians 4:10-20
Contentment is a daily choice not based on circumstances.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Contentment is all about perspective.
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.
הַכָּרַת טוֹבָה
Hakarat Hatov
Recognizing the Good
Contentment is directly related to trusting God.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
“Sometimes we get so caught up in the future, we forget to take pleasure in what we have. We become so obsessed with ‘I want, I want, I want’ there is no room left to notice that we are already standing neck-deep in grace.” —Carolyn Hobbs
Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. —Philippians 4:11-13 (MSG)
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
True contentment is found in trusting God more and loving stuff less.
Takeaway: Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Discussion Questions
In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul says he has learned to be content in all circumstances. What does “contentment” mean to you personally? How can we practice contentment in a world that constantly encourages us to want more?
Can you share a time when you felt content despite lacking something you wanted or needed? What did you learn from that experience?
What challenges or obstacles make it difficult for you to feel content in your current season of life?
How can understanding the difference between needs and wants change our approach to contentment? How might our perspective change if we practice recognizing the good (Hakarat Hatov) in our lives?
Table Discussion Question: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more and love material things less?