Contentment in Whatever Circumstances

By Mike Henry Sr.

I searched this site for the term “contentment” and found nothing.

I confess I’m not surprised. I’m not known to be a content person. Every reference I found on the blog to the term content didn’t mean contented, or satisfied, but it meant stuff.

Contentment in Whatever Circumstances | Follower of One

Define Contentment

Websters defines contented as “feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.” Contentment is the state of being contented. A synonym is being satisfied.

Paul claimed “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 4:11 NASB

At a funeral recently, a friend read “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1.

Contentment From Trust

To experience contentment in whatever circumstances, I must trust my God. I must actively believe he is in charge, and nothing happens outside of his control. When everything takes longer than I think it will, God is in control. When I catch every stop light, God is in control. When I drive somewhere and show up without what I need, God is in control. The question is, when I think I “need” something, will I let God control?

Learned Contentment

Paul learned contentment. Like patience, I have spent a lot of time in contentment class, but I haven’t passed the final. Heck, I haven’t even turned in my assignments. I may project calmness, but pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. Inside, I can be anxious, frustrated and angry when things don’t go my way. All of my worst days come from a failure to trust in God.

All of my worst days come from a failure to trust in God.

How do you learn contentment? I would like to know. I plan to try at least 2 things. First, I want to train my mind to recall Bible verses that reflect on contentment, trust and confidence in God. Other verses besides these include Luke 3:14 and 1 Timothy 6:6.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV

Make the Call

Consequently, I need to spend more time talking with people who are contented. I have one friend who comes to mind and I will reach out and schedule a conversation. Would you like to talk about contentment? Schedule some time to talk with me. If you can help, great! And if you need help, we can work on contentment together. Pick a time and we’ll talk and pray for one another.

Or please take a minute and share your thoughts below or in the community. How did you learn to be contented? Or are you like me, taking the class again for the umpteenth time? Above all, our contentment demonstrates the power of God. I just prayed for you and me. Our contentment in whatever circumstances we find ourselves will mark our life and make Jesus visible.

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2 Responses

  1. So this is more of a question and a comment. Are there things that we are supposed to be discontent about? Are we supposed to have a holy discontent about the state of the world around us? Are we supposed to have a holy discontent for the lost, and the State of their lostness? I think I understand those things that I ought to be content about. I guess I feel like there is a tension between those things we should be content about, and those things that there should be a “holy discontent“ about.

    When it comes to being content, I also struggle with the attitude of being “content“, and being lazy. I always want to give it my best, to try and excel and do the very best I can at whatever I’m doing. I don’t ever want “content“ to be a synonym for “good enough“.

    1. Thanks for a great comment Page. Great questions and comments. I wonder, too, about these same things. You stretched this post into a deeper and more complex evaluation. I’d be interested in other’s thoughts. Where is the balance between contentment and complacency or laziness? Anyone?

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