What Does It Mean to Be Content?

PRAY OVER THIS

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11

 

PONDER THIS

What is contentment? Contentment is an inner sufficiency that keeps us at peace despite outward circumstances. In the New Testament, the word contentment has the idea of being self-contained. While in the Philippian jail, Paul said: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). The idea means, “I’m self-contained; I don’t have to look at circumstances to find my peace.” When the space shuttle goes up, they put everything on board that people are going to need because there’s no 7-Eleven in the neighborhood up there. It is self-contained, it has everything on board. In the same way, Christians have this self-containment. To be clear, this is not at all because we can find what we need in ourselves, but because the Spirit of God has come to live within us. Our contentment is found in Him.

How have you experienced the “self-contained” contentment that is found in relationship with Jesus?

What does it look like to seek contentment in your circumstances instead of in something else that is passing away?

PRACTICE THIS

Take a walk today to prayerfully consider where you find your contentment. Ask God to lead you to seek contentment in Him alone.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers