21 Ways To Thrive By 45Sample

Be Content Philippians

A fickle heart lusts after what it doesn’t have. It’s swept up with the current of unfulfilled fantasies and pleasures. In Philippians 4, Paul gave a peek into his own heart of how he handled such matters. Paul, who knew a thing or two about lack, found contentment in prison. He knew no matter what he had or didn’t have, Christ was enough. He didn’t bother with discontent. It wouldn’t serve him well. Instead, he found hope in the bleakest of conditions as he discovered Christ would give him the strength to endure it all.

Discontent ransacks our stockpile of gratitude and dances with pride. Pride demands, assumes, and hustles to get its way. Discontent follows along when our pride hits a wall. Even in favorable times, discontent slithers its way in our lives when we choose self-sufficiency over sufficiency in Jesus. Contentment is a choice. One we make in both the valley and mountaintop experiences. It’s not decided by conditions but rather our hearts choose it in all seasons. Contentment ignores the murmurs of pride. No matter how deserving the pride appears.

Our desire for good things such as healthy children, a beautiful home, or a new job aren’t inherently bad, and we should certainly work toward them if we feel so led, but our perspective in the process matters. If we chase after what we want with discontent in our belly, we miss out on finding Christ to be enough in our days and months.

It’s possible to have a healthy grip on contentment while pursuing our dreams. Well before we pursue our passions we must settle our hearts with a growing contentment in Christ no matter our season or struggle. Discontent burns our hearts with disappointment, but hope in Christ for all he can and will do leads us to godliness and extravagant trust in our Savior.

Contentment invites gratitude into each of our days. Into the highs and lows. Into the pain and the victory. Contentment of heart declares God is enough. No matter what we lack, he will supply all of our needs from his hand. It asks we refuse to compare what we have to what others have. Savoring the life God gives to each of us. Contentment boldly claims Jesus is our Helper. Our Deliverer. Our Restorer.