The Secret to Contentment

Reflections on Philippians 4:10-19

Contentment simply means “the state of being happy or satisfied” (Webster’s dictionary).  However, the question that immediately comes to mind is; “Can one be consistently satisfied or content?”  Possibly the simplest analogy in an attempt to understand contentment comes from the daily communal cycle of enjoying a meal.  We all understand the sense of satisfaction after enjoying a favorite dish with no desire to eat any more.  However, following a few hours or so we discover the nagging sensation of a “grumbling stomach” and the need to satisfy the hunger with yet another meal.  Therefore, our daily life routines have been structured around this cycle of contrasting contentment and discontentment.  As we have grown to understand experientially that contentment is temporary we also begin to recognize that, with ever changing circumstances, even our moments of satisfaction are dusted with discontent, knowing that it will not last but we will have to go chasing again.

You may be surprised to know that there is a better kind of contentment; one that the Apostle Paul speaks of as persisting despite changing circumstances.  In referring to the very basic physical needs of life he says; “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Php.4:11-12).

The uniqueness of this contentment is further qualified by the term “secret” (vs.12).  Something that is a secret assumes that it is not simply known by everyone, but it is information with exclusive access. So what is the secret to contentment? Paul tells us in the verse that follows: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Php.4:13).  This reveals that lasting contentment only finds itself within a relationship with the Lord, and specifically a relationship that relies on the Lord for strength.  Faith or trust in the Lord and His promises then, form the basis for contentment.  

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