The Secret of Contentment - The Wesleyan Church

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. (Phil. 4:12)

Expanded Passage: Philippians 4:10-13

Have you ever found yourself in an if/then season? If I get this promotion, then I’ll feel valued. If we can get out of debt, then we won’t have to worry about our financial security. If I could just find the right person to spend the rest of my life with, then I’ll be happy. As people, contentment is one of our biggest hang-ups, especially in a world that is constantly feeding the monster of comparison. Every campaign is pushing us to pursue newer, better, quicker. How can we possibly live a content life?

But Paul knew. He had experienced both sides, plenty and want, and he knew that contentment had nothing to do with those things. Paul understood contentment because he understood that God was bigger than his circumstances. Having experienced both sides of situations, Paul developed a way of being that trusted God no matter what was happening in his life.

I think that Paul had learned that the secret of being content was to trust God. Paul knew that while the circumstances of our lives are not consistent, the character of God always is. Every day can contain what we might call good or bad, easy or hard, but God is the one who gives us the strength to endure all things. He is the secret.

Consider what areas of your life could use more contentment.

Deborah Rhodes is the colead pastor of Parkside Church in Greenville, South Carolina. She is passionate about studying and teaching God’s Word.