The Secret of Contentment

 Why is contentment so difficult to find? In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw explores Philippians 4:11–13 and uncovers what the apostle Paul meant by "the secret of contentment." Learn why contentment isn't found in reaching the next goal, earning more money, or improving your circumstances, but in relying on Christ through every season of life. 

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Transcript

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Fill in the blank. I'll be happy when that's a dangerous sentence to finish. I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. I'll be happy when I retire. I lose weight. I finally buy the house. When life slows down. When things get a little easier. It's amazing how easily we convince ourselves that contentment is always waiting somewhere in the future. Just around the corner. I know because I've done it. Every month I sit down to work on our family budget. And every month it's easy to think, if we just made a little more money, we'd really be set. Well here's the trap. If that happened, I'd probably come up with another number. Another reason to think I'd finally be content if we could just get there. The finish line has a way of moving, doesn't it? That's why I love what Paul says in Philippians 4 verses eleven to thirteen. Did he say he discovered contentment after everything finally worked out? Nope. He said, I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. It's easy to miss the word learned. That tells me contentment doesn't come naturally. It's something we grow into. Then Paul says, I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. He's saying, I've lived on both sides. I've had seasons when there wasn't enough, and I've had seasons when there was more than enough. Then he says, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. So what's the secret? The very next verse. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We usually hear that verse before someone takes on a big challenge, but that's not the context. Paul is talking about contentment. He's saying that whether he had plenty or had very little, Christ gave him the strength to be content. That's the secret. There's nothing wrong with working hard, planning ahead, or saving for the future. The problem comes when we believe our joy is waiting on the other side of the next promotion, the next paycheck, or the next milestone. Because if we're not careful, we'll spend our whole lives chasing almost. I've been reminded that God has already been faithful through every season of my life. So the next time I sit down with our budget, I'm probably going to be tempted to think, if we just had a little more. When that happens, I hope I'll remember what Paul learned. And if he's faithful today, maybe I don't have to wait for tomorrow before I choose to be thankful. Lord, thank you for the many ways you've provided for us. Teach us to be content in every season, whether we have much or little. Guard our hearts from always chasing the next thing, and help us find our satisfaction in you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Contentment doesn't mean we stop dreaming. It means we stop believing that the next thing is what will finally satisfy us. If today's episode spoke to you, I'd love for you to follow Faith Fuel and come back tomorrow. There are new devotionals every weekday, and I'd be honored to spend a few minutes with you again. I'm Bob Shaw. Peace and joy.