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Contentment is not a passive resignation to one’s situation, but a humble acceptance that all that the Lord has given is best.  The contented Christian regards God’s gifts as sufficient, and rejoices in every trial meted out by His sovereign hand.

“The real cause of our discontent is not in our circumstances; if it were, a change of circumstances might cure it.  It is in ourselves, and wherever we go - we shall carry our discontent heart with us.  The only cure which will affect anything - must be the curing of the fever of discontent in us…  ‘No earthly misfortune can touch the wealth which a Christian holds in the divine promises and hopes.  Just in the measure, therefore, in which we learn to live for spiritual and unseen eternal realities - do we find contentment amid earth’s trials and losses.  If we would live to please God, to build up a Christ-like character in ourselves, and to lay up treasure in Heaven - we shall not depend for happiness, on the way things go with us here on earth, nor on the measure of temporal goods we have.  The earthly desires are crowded out by the higher and spiritual desires” – J R Miller.

The apostle Paul learnt precious lessons in the school of adversity.  He did not murmur at the dealings of Providence nor repine when comforts were removed.  In spite of all his sufferings, the apostle could triumphantly declare:  “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philp. 4:  11-12). 

Consider the imprisoned apostle and his noble response to his seemingly curtailed ministry: “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (Philp. 1:12).  Instead  of  wallowing  in  self-pity  and  condemning  his opponents, he saw his imprisonment as a “furtherance of the Gospel” - “so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places” (Philp. 1: 13).  Interestingly, the palace guards were his captive audience when Paul preached the Gospel message.  “ … and in all other places” – it is likely that the courtyard, where the prisoners had their daily regimen, was the apostle’s preaching station.

Though some tried to hurt him by preaching Christ out of impure motives, “even of envy and strife” (Philp. 1: 15), the apostle was unmoved; in fact he responded in a positive way: “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Philp. 1: 18).  “The more important matter was secured, and Christ was made known” – Barnes.  God’s kingdom was being extended even through these envious brethren who were actively working against him.

Instead of feeling dejected, the apostle used his time in prison to encourage his fellow brethren in the work of reaching souls for the Lord:  “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philp. 1: 14).

Conclusion

We conclude with the words of Albert Barnes: “A contented mind is an invaluable blessing, and is one of the fruits of religion in the soul.  It arises from the belief that God is right in all His ways.  Why should we be impatient, restless, discontented?  What evil will be remedied by it?  What want supplied?  What calamity removed?  ‘He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast’ (Prov. 15: 15); … one of the secrets of happiness is to have a mind satisfied with all the allotments of Providence.”

God is sovereign.  None can alter the course of things nor thwart the Divine hand of providence.  There is no stability in any state.  Just when we think we are in control, God changes the situation and we realise our dependence on Him.  Let us learn in whatever state to be content.  Accept God’s blessings with a grateful heart.  Remember His goodness and mercies.  In times of adversity, trust Him to work out His purposes for us.  Let us echo the words of Fanny Crosby’s famous hymn: “All the way my Saviour leads me, What have I to ask beside?  Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who thru’ life has been my Guide?  Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!  For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.”

May the Lord teach us “how to be abased” and “how to abound.”  Whether in prosperity or adversity, let our lives bring glory to the Lord.                                                               

- Pastor