Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

May 3rd, 2008

 

"Contentment (Part 1)"

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians10-13 NIV).

Yesterday I wrote about “window gazing.” It caused a little stir in the membership of Morning Devotionals. Most of the folks who wrote me simply asked, “How?” And, I must admit that I did not spend much time in practical application of that truth. So today I want to begin a little series looking at Paul's writing to the Philippians found in our reading.

Remember that Paul was in prison at the time of his writing to this church. I am sure there was ample opportunity for him to look back and wonder if he had achieved any measure of success. After all, ending in prison with an imminent execution is not normally something that most people would desire! He could have been discontented with his state.

Is it really that different for us today? For many of us, impatience, frustration, and dissatisfaction are part of our daily routines. We want control, so we demand that our surroundings adjust to us, rather than vice versa. What we don't like, we change. We change the channel. We change jobs. We change churches. We change friends. We know we "should" be content, but we're not. We think that if our circumstances change (for the better, of course) then we will be satisfied and content. What I have learned is that contentment is a state of the heart, not a state of affairs! It is available to everyone regardless of the circumstance.

This is certainly Paul's declaration when he wrote; I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. So, the first declaration today is that contentment is not natural. It is learned. Later in our study I will detail that learning process, however, for now, take your first step in that process by committing to memory the following verse: I can do everything through him who gives me strength. That faith will deliver you from the spiraling of discontentment. More tomorrow!