Philippians‬ ‭4‬:11-12‭ says, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”

Mirriam-Webster dictionary defined contentment as a feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation. Dictionary.com defined it as satisfied; feeling comfortable and at peace with one’s circumstances. 

When looking at the life of Paul, we can see he experienced feast times and poverty times. In all of them, he had to learn to be content. It did not come just automatically. We might think that feast times are easier times of contentment, but look at what Solomon wrote in Proverbes 30:8-9 give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”  Contentment in times of ease is something that has to be learned. 

On the other hand, Paul had to learn contentment through poverty times as well. Paul’s missionary life was certainly filled with much difficulty. He was beaten on multiple occasions, imprisoned in inhumane situations, traveled by foot with the dangers of robbers and wild animals, traveled by sea with only water being part of his fare, and shipwrecked 3 times. How? How did he learn contentment? He entrusted everything to God and was obedient. He held very loosely to the things of the world and very tightly to His God and their relationship. He did not allow life’s circumstances to define him. He lived above them.

I recently had the opportunity to revisit some of the most difficult times I’ve experienced in my life and how God worked through them. I realized that all along, God had been teaching me that circumstances do not bring contentment. I can feel comfortable and at peace with circumstances when I choose to put Christ above all else. It’s a choice I have to make on a daily basis. It includes living above the circumstances, trusting God to supply all of my needs, forgiving those who hurt me, looking up with confidence, and looking up with hope. Living content is a choice! It’s a choice to put Christ above all else.