Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:11-13

CONTENT, n. – Websters 1828 Dictionary

1.      Rest or quietness of the mind in the present condition; satisfaction which holds the mind in peace, restraining complaint, opposition, or further desire, and often implying a moderate degree of happiness.

The Apostle Paul says that he has had to learn to be content. Paul writes from a Roman prison. There is a church in Rome; however, it does not appear that they have been helping Paul very much. He does not mention them in his prison epistles. Paul depends upon others for much of his food and clothing. He has very little. Yet he has learned to be content with little. God gives him the strength to be content.

Many of us have memorized vs. 13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. That oft quoted verse follows Paul saying that he is instructed to suffer need. God gave Paul the strength to suffer persecution, hunger, and loneliness. This reminds me of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians: 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

How many of us live discontented lives? How many decisions have we made while feeling discontent? Later, we realized that we still were not satisfied. That is because we have our focus on the material and on our circumstances, not on the Lord. When you have eaten a good meal your stomach is full. You are satisfied; you are content! Let’s have souls and spirits that are content and satisfied with God. Let’s rest in God no matter the circumstances of life.

Psalm 63:3-6 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Bro. Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry