Paul writes this in Philippians 4:10-12…

   I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 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.

contentment-is-wealth  What do you REQUIRE in order to be content?  What MUST you have in order to be at peace within yourself?  What is it, that without IT (Whatever IT is), you cannot be happy?

  Some possibilities: Love… Health… Family… Money… Friends… Career… Kids… Spouse… Intellect… House… Freedom… Reputation… Power… Influence… Recognition… Car(s)… Education… Sanity… and the list is endless.

Some might think it harder to have had and lost than never to have had at all.  I don’t know… but this I do know… according to Scripture contentment has NOTHING to do with anything in this life.  None of the things mentioned above is necessary in order to be content.

The reason is that contentment is in Christ, not in the things of the world.  But Paul hadn’t always been content.  It was something he had to LEARN.

Think about that… contentment in any circumstance is LEARNED. Contentment is like patience… it takes time and experience to be patient and to be content.

The things we don’t need to be happy are: Love… Health… Family… Money… Friends… Career… Kids… Spouse… Intellect… House… Freedom… Reputation… Power… Influence… Recognition… Car(s)… Education… and Sanity (Does the list look familiar?).

IF we tie our contentment to anything OTHER THAN our relationship to God through Jesus Christ, one day we will no longer be content.  The reason is that any and every one of those things can… and one day… will be lost!

The ONLY thing that it is impossible to lose is Christ.  Thus if we tie our contentment to Him, we can and will be able to be content in any and all circumstances.  Thus Philippians 4:13…

   I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…