We often search for contentment in our circumstances. We think we will finally experience peace when our situation changes, when our problems are resolved, or when life becomes easier.
But Scripture teaches us something different.
True contentment does not come from having the perfect circumstances. True contentment comes from knowing the perfect Savior.
Only Christ can strengthen us to resist the temptations that uniquely attend both wealth and poverty. Only Jesus can sustain our hearts when we have abundance and when we have nothing.
As Paul writes:
“To live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Because everything we do must be done in and through Jesus Christ, not according to our own strength.
Christ Strengthens Us in Every Circumstance
Because believers are in Christ (Galatians 2:20), Christ infuses us with His strength to sustain us, no matter what we may face in this life.
Our peace and joy amidst tribulation are not based on our ability to calmly face life, but on the truth that we belong to Christ, that He never lets us go, and that He is faithful to give us grace to live for Him no matter what our circumstances might be.
If we depend on our own power and character in the midst of storms, we will not find lasting peace. But when we trust in Christ and seek to do everything in Him, we will find that we can serve Him faithfully.
That does not mean our concerns do, or should, go away. Rather, it means that our concerns no longer define our lives or bind us with worry.
On the contrary, we rest satisfied in the Lord no matter what happens around us.
Psalm 10:17 says:
“O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.”
Romans 16:25-27 says:
“Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.”
The Secret to Contentment Is Christ Alone
Contentment comes as we live out our real, vital, personal relationship with Jesus.
That relationship is forged in our union with Christ, and we live through Him as He strengthens us with:
“His energy that he powerfully works within” (Colossians 1:29).
When we live in and through Christ, we learn to be content materially. That is the context of Philippians 4.
Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians. In those days, prisoners had to provide their own comforts from either their own resources or through the gifts and care of family and friends.
So the Philippians wanted to share in Paul’s trouble. They sent Paul money and other physical necessities through Epaphroditus to sustain him.
In response, Paul thanked them for their thoughtfulness, but he also wanted them to know something important: he was content with his material possessions, whether he had plenty or little (Philippians 4:11).
How is that possible?
Only through Christ who strengthens Paul.
In Christ are great riches, sustaining food, and priceless treasures that outlast anything this world can offer. These are the things that sustain the heart when the body goes without.
We Learn Contentment Through Difficult Circumstances
We often have to learn material contentment through difficult situations.
Paul was in a Roman prison for preaching the gospel (Philippians 1:12-13). Even worse, it appeared that some were using his situation to preach the gospel out of envy and rivalry, running Paul down and his ministry in order to build themselves up (Philippians 1:15).
Yet, Paul was still content.
He writes:
“Whether in pretense or truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18)
How could Paul be content in this?
How could he rejoice when he was suffering and others were using his circumstances for their own selfish gain?
Through Christ alone, who strengthens.
Because of his real, vital relationship with Jesus, Paul was content for eternity. He knew that:
“To live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Paul’s material possessions were not his ultimate gain, and his current situation was not his final destiny. Rather, it was only the beginning.
Because Paul had communion with Christ, his destiny was to be with Jesus for all eternity.
Christ Is Enough for True Contentment
That is the secret to contentment in all circumstances.
It is Jesus.
He is enough.
He is all that we need.
Elisabeth Elliot once said:
“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”
The secret to contentment is not finding the perfect circumstances. The secret is Christ in us, strengthening us and sustaining us through every circumstance.
Will You Find Your Contentment in Christ Today?
What are your current circumstances today?
Will you trust the Lord to use you in them instead of seeking new ones?
Will you strive to remind your heart of the true joy that comes from gladness not based on circumstances?
Will you remember Christ in all things that come your way?
Will you find your confidence in Christ alone and not in your abilities or present circumstances?
He is good.
And in Him is lasting joy and peace that goes on and on forever and ever.
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