Philippians 4:11-12 (AMP) [bible-link v=”Philippians+4%3A11-12+&version=AMP” c=”light”]
… I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
Of all the people in the Bible, the Apostle Paul’s example has been one I deeply admire and respect. The lessons Paul learned in Christ have greatly impacted the way I live my life.
I believe Paul would say the greatest of these was learning contentment, no matter the circumstance.
We don’t have to read much of his letters before we see that Paul knew something about tests and tribulations. The same man who wrote about the certainty of God, was the very one who faced uncertain times over and over again.
In the Greek, contentment means ‘self-sufficiency through Christ’. True contentment is finding what I need in Him alone. When we fully rely on Christ, like Paul did, we can face whatever test or trial comes our way in complete peace.
The ultimate key to learning contentment is trusting God’s judgment with our sufficiency, rather than our own judgment.
Am I willing to learn to trust His judgment, even when I don’t understand it?
