The Secret of Being Content

“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. . . . My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:12,19

Daily Devotion – August 1, 2019

Devotion based on Philippians 4:12,19

See series: Devotions

This verse is surprising when you realize where the apostle Paul was when he wrote it. Paul was in prison in Rome waiting for his trial. He was “in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:13) because his crime was telling people about Christ. Execution was a possibility, and all he had done was tell people about Jesus.

So how could Paul be content? His life was so unfair. He didn’t have a home. He couldn’t do his mission work. He didn’t have enough to be content!

But contentment is not getting what you want. Contentment is wanting what you’ve got.

This is why Paul wrote what he did: “I have learned the secret of being content.” He had to be taught to be okay with what he had because it is not something that comes naturally. God had to teach him.

Once he learned the secret, Paul could be content in any and every situation. Whether sitting down to feast or eating prison rations. Whether sleeping in a bed or shackled to a guard. Paul’s contentment was completely independent of what he had or where he was.

So what is the secret of being content? What do we need to learn to be content in any and every situation? Here is Paul’s answer: “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

The secret of being content is believing that God is the Provider. God will give you exactly what you need. God will provide plenty when you need it. He will let you be in need when you need it. God will always provide exactly what you need at exactly the right time.

You can be sure of this because God has already provided what you needed most. He provided his Son, Jesus, who paid the price for your sins so that you now stand before God forgiven. Knowing that you are a forgiven child of God means you can be content, whatever your situation.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for meeting all of my needs. Help me to be content. Amen.

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