Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. -Philippians 4:11-12
To be content in our present circumstances is easier said than done. I don’t know about you, but I tend to spend little time in the present. Much of my time is spent reminiscing about the past or planning for the future- lamenting what I’ve lost or looking forward to what I can gain. Although this mindset might be considered completely normal by the standards of the world, I believe that God intends for us something much better- contentment.
The meaning of the word “content” can be defined as “a state of peaceful happiness” or “a state of satisfaction”. In other words, to be content is to be satisfied, even happy, with your present circumstances- regardless of what that might be.
“Needs” are Subjective
Paul wrote the book of Philippians as a letter to the church of Philippi while he was in prison. The Philipians had sent Paul a monetary gift through a man named Epaphroditus, who was returning to Philippi soon after. Paul wrote this letter for Epaphroditus to deliver to the Philippians as a way to express his thanks, but more importantly to encourage them as they were being persecuted for their faith and belief in Jesus Christ.
It is important to know who wrote the book of Philippians, because if you are familiar with the life of Paul you would probably agree that his life was extremely difficult. Yet in Philippians 4:11 he says that he was “never in need”. (I encourage you to explore the sufferings and experiences of Paul through your own Bible readings.)
Some might argue that Paul was in need throughout various points of his life. I am almost certain that there were times that Paul felt like his needs were not fully being met. Yet now, looking back, he quite boldly proclaims that he was never in need. How can this be?
God Promises to Meet our Needs
Earlier in the book of Philippians, Paul gives us insight into how he handled needs in his life.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
These words from Paul do not come from a place of philosophy or unpracticed advice. Paul experienced for himself the peace of God as he expressed his heart’s deepest desires and fears, and he knows that we can experience this same level of peace.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19
We don’t have to take Paul’s word for it- God’s Word is full of promises to take care of His people. Jesus Himself said:
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33
Contentment is Learned
One of the key words that Paul uses in Philippians 4:11 is that he has learned to be content. Contentment doesn’t come naturally. We are inherently selfish, sinful beings who are not easily satisfied. We must learn to be content over time.
Learning to be content begins in the heart, but the true battle is fought in the mind. We must train our minds to be thankful for what we have, because there is always something to be thankful for.
…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. -Philippians 4:8
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever! – Psalm 118:1
Thankfully, if we are followers of Jesus, we have Him on our side. Paul says in Philippians 2:13:
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
The Secret is Jesus
There is only one way we can learn to be content. Paul discovered this secret and shared it with his brothers and sisters in Philippi. No matter what we are facing in our life circumstances, contentment is possible. Just as the fruit of the spirit take time to develop and grow, so does contentment.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. -Galatians 5:22
If you think about it, if we are to be content we must have the fruit of the spirit present and active in our lives. We can’t be content with our life circumstances any other way.
Although it might seem like a daunting task, Paul demonstrated that it is possible. He also gave us the secret to his success:
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13
It is possible to find true contentment in our lives. It is possible to experience the fruit of the spirit. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, if we cultivate our relationship with Him, and if we follow the advice of Paul, we too can look back on our lives and say that we learned how to be content with whatever we have.
