Do you know the key to contentment?

Paul probably wrote his letter to the prosperous Roman colony of Philippi while under house arrest in Rome. He had intended to go to Rome, but not as a prisoner of the government. Yet, while under house arrest he wrote several letters that are now part of our Bibles. Paul had no idea that people would be reading his words to Philippi thousands of years later.

Paul had been a successful, acclaimed Pharisee. His salvation cost him everything he had worked to have. The Apostle had been hunted, slandered, imprisoned, and arrested. He also lived with a condition he called his “thorn in the flesh,” which brought him a great deal of pain. Now, he was chained and a prisoner of the Roman government.

Yet, the Apostle could say, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Paul had learned that his ministry was not limited to human effort; it was only bound by the will of God. Paul worked tirelessly for the sake of the gospel and endured great hardship. But Paul trusted God to use his work and bless the outcome, regardless of his earthly challenges.

The word content in the Bible means accepting the circumstances God has allowed, knowing that God is always and abundantly sufficient for whatever needs we have. The key to contentment is accepting our limitations and understanding that our God has none.

If Paul could be content to write from his prison, we can learn to be content with our circumstances. Our limitations cannot limit God. His will and his word will succeed. When you feel discouraged, just consider Paul’s words and his circumstances. If the Apostle learned to be content, so can we.

Allow the words of Christ to dwell in you richly, knowing that contentment is our choice because of our salvation.