Learning The Secret Of Contentment

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11

Contentment. It’s rare in a world in which people are searching for more money, more power, more status.

But God has a different perspective: “Better a little with the fear of the lord than great wealth with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16).

It’s a viewpoint shared by Paul in Philippians 4. And as A. W. Pink observes, once you know God, you have more than the world could ever offer.

WALK WITH A. W. PINK
“Contentment is the product of a heart resting in God. It is the soul’s enjoyment of the peace that passes all understanding.

“Contentment is the outcome of my will being brought into subjection to the divine will. It is the blessed assurance that God does all things well and is even now making all things work together for my ultimate good.

“Contentment is only possible as we maintain the attitude of accepting everything that enters our lives as coming from the hand of him who is too wise to err and too loving to cause one of his children a needless tear.

“Our final word is this: Real contentment is only possible by being in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Only by cultivating intimacy with the One who was never discontent, only by daily fellowship with him who always delighted in the Father’s will, will we learn the secret of contentment.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Paul had ample reason to complain about his circumstances: hostile audiences, misunderstood motives, physical abuse.

Instead, he chose to “rejoice greatly in the Lord” (Philippians 4:10). His life radiated the very words he wrote to the Philippians: “Whatever is true … noble … right … pure … lovely … admirable … excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Like Paul, don’t be content to settle for less than God’s best. And that “best” includes contentment found only in him!