The Secret of Contentment - 16 July 2010

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phillippians 4:11-13 NIV

This is another fairly new revelation.  I am ashamed to say that not so long ago I was a very discontented person.  I think I believed that I was the only one who actually did not get anything I needed.  Other people did, they had all the things I needed and although I envied them I didn’t use that envy in the right way to set goals for myself.  I just complained more.

If I read this passage in those days I might have been mildly curious but perhaps would have taken it for granted that Paul referred to an actual secret which he didn’t disclose at this time.  However earlier in the chapter he has already told us to present every prayer and petition to God with thanksgiving. (v6) Then he goes on to tell us to think positively;

 whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.(v8)

Then he ends by declaring that there is nothing he cannot do through God.(v13)

The secret of contentment then is to know that when I have asked for what I need and been thankful for what I have, when I cultivate a positive attitude and put my trust in God – then I will be content.