Contentment

As one English poet once wrote;

"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find, you get what you need"

Contentment is something that I do not think about much. I think often of the sovereignty and magnificence of God. I am daily struck by the grace that is given to me in Jesus Christ. I have spent many hours thinking about missions and discipleship methods. I have not however spent that much time thinking about contentment, even less time thinking about my own contentment. 

The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

 Paul had learned how to be content. He had learned the secret. In every circumstance he had found the ability and strength to be satisfied with what he had. What makes this statement even more heart stirring is that Paul was likely writing while being imprisoned in Rome. 
So what was the secret to his contentment? What did he have that left him satisfied in all situations? 
The answer is simple but profound, Christ. 
It is with Christ that he could do all things. Jesus was his strength, Jesus was where he found satisfaction in this life, and Jesus was enough. 

Paul later tells Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." 

My three prayers for contentment

1. That in all circumstance I will be satisfied in Christ.

2. That I will ponder what it means to be content more often.

3. That I will be thankful in all circumstances, knowing that God is working through all situations for my good.