Learning to be Content

“For I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.” Philippians 4:11 (Amp)

Contentment in all situations is the goal. Learning how to be content is the challenge. And that only happens when we realize that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” Philippians 4:12. It is a constant yielding and accepting that the Lord is Sovereign over and in all things. Someone said, “If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”

When bad things happen to us we desperately want to change them. It is hard to accept with contentment a loved one who is sick and dying, a child who has decided to walk from the Lord, an estranged relationship, a loss of a career you love, financial hardships, and the aches and pains of an aging body and the fact that younger people aren’t interested in learning from your experiences.

However, as we walk through the pain of these experiences—when we lean hard on Jesus’ grace and sufficiency, we become more content, until finally we accept them. We become quiet – we are no longer disturbed. We rest in Him. We can say with confidence, “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me.” Psalm 138:8

By Katherine Kehler
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2008/08/27/kk_to-be-content/