jennifer-roberts This morning I woke up with the subject of contentment on my mind. I don’t know why, but I was thinking about Philippians 4: 10-13 in which Paul writes to the Philippians saying, “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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 on want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
I’ve read these verses countless times and they always inspire me and serve as a gauge for where I am on my path toward true contentment.
This morning I was led to look up the Greek definition of the word “content” as it is used in Philippians 4:11. In Greek, “content” is translated, “autarkes” meaning “sufficient for oneself, strong enough or processing enough to need no aid or support; independent of external circumstances; contented with one’s lot with one’s means though the slenderest.”
Experiencing authentic contentment regardless of my circumstances is an idea that I have struggled with in the past and continue to struggle with today. I love creature comforts and when I don’t have them, I cannot be genuinely content. This is where I am; don’t judge.
I don’t need opulence but there are certain comforts that contribute to my ability to be content, my ability to be truly satisfied. I don’t need a big house, but I want a clean and well-appointed house. I don’t need a fancy car but I want a reliable car. I don’t need a large variety of food, but I can totally sympathize with how the Israelites felt in Exodus when God provided manna for them to eat every single day. I don’t need closets full of clothes but it would be difficult for me to be content with three outfits, one pair of shoes and no accessories. I could go on but you get the idea.
Thankfully I have never experienced abject poverty, but I have experienced lack and I was not satisfied.
My 11-year-old son models genuine contentment beautifully. He wakes up every day ready to embrace whatever the day brings. He usually doesn’t have a preconceived idea of that day is supposed to bring so he usually is not disappointed. He inspires me with his daily ability to experience and enjoy life as it comes believing that his needs will be provided for each day.
A few weeks ago, I was going out and I asked him if he wanted me to bring him something back for lunch. His response was, “No, I’m good. I’ll find something to eat here.” He didn’t have an expectation of what he should eat; he was content knowing that there would be something provided for him to eat. I’m 43 and I am not there yet.
My son’s flexibility is refreshing. As I watch him enjoy each day, I sometimes think about what allows him to be so carefree and untroubled. I think he can lead such an encumbered life because he expects that his needs will be provided for instead of concerning himself with how they will be provided.
He is confident that his dad and I will give him food, shelter and clothes everyday so he doesn’t give any of these things a second thought. Now, don’t get me wrong. He certainly has things that he likes and wants but having them or not having them doesn’t alter his choice to be content. He gets it.
Me on the other hand, I have expectations about what the provisions will look like, feel like, taste like and look like which contribute to my discontentment. I do believe that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength but I also like options. I’m just saying. I believe that the Lord will continue to work with me and grow me to a place of satisfaction that is not affected my temporal circumstances.
Even in my human frailty, I am encouraged by Paul’s use of the word “learned” in Philippians 4:11. Paul says, “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” That tells me that contentment didn’t necessarily come naturally for Paul so there is hope for me.
In the meantime, I am thankful that God has blessed me with a daily example of contentment in my son and gives me countless opportunities to practice being genuinely satisfied regardless of my circumstances.
