(Photo: YWAM Harpenden Archive)

Are You Content?

“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.” (Philippians 4:12)

The other day, I decided to sit on the bench of a small town square in order to slow down my thoughts and observe the details that occurred around me. Details that usually go unnoticed in the rush of our routines. That quick exercise reminded me how simple things are still able to give us joy.

Although, as time goes on, our achievements increase our levels of demands and expectations in life. We always want more and this leads us to believe that we will only be happy if we achieve what we have established as successful goals.

The apostle Paul, however, in his letter to the Philippians, teaches us a precious secret. He learned to be happy in every circumstance, whether good or bad. He did not depend on outside influences to define whether he would be happy or not. It was simply who he was.

We might be happy with a beautiful sunny day, a productive week at work or merely with the fact that we are in good health. But what if none of these things happen? Or what do we do when the feeling of contentment is just not there anymore?

The point is that we care a lot about FEELING and forget about BEING. If things are going well, we are happy. If everything is out of place, it will be no different with our emotions.

But when we learn the secret of being content in every situation, we will understand that ultimately our contentment comes only from one person: Jesus Christ, in whom all our needs are met (Philippians 4:19).

Written by Esaú Moraes.