In a Funk? Here are the Keys to Contentment

The word content is one of my all time favorites. For me, the word conjures up images of a satisfied baby cooing at his mother or sitting quietly on a nice front porch swing, happily entertaining yourself with your own thoughts and memories.

Webster’s dictionary defines content as being mentally or emotionally satisfied with the way things are.

Unfortunately, many people do not live in a state of contentedness. This is a hurried and rushed world which seems to constantly race in a frenzied state towards one achievement or the next. Our gadgets aren’t good enough, our income isn’t high enough, and many or our relationships are strained at best. So how do we get from that gnawing, unfulfilled feeling to arrive at this seemingly elusive state of satisfaction and stability? Looking at the words of the Apostle Paul in the book of Philippians, I believe we will find the answer:

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-13 (NKJ)

Contentment is Not about What We Have

Reading through Philippians 4:10-14, we become keenly aware of the first key to contentedness. It’s not about stuff. Contentedness and deep inner satisfaction is not a result of what you have or where you live. It is a result of who you are in Christ. Paul had learned to be content with much and content with little–stable and sturdy in good times and bad.

The Contented Individual Puts Others First

The next key to contentment is a bit more difficult to recognize, but if you know anything about Paul, he was a giver. He never worried about himself. He was always more concerned about the emotional and spiritual well being of others. The content believer puts others first.

So often, I believe we reach toward certain goals, believing that when our own needs are met we’ll be more content. The truth is that there is no real contentment unless we are more concerned with others than we are for ourselves. So the second key is to take the focus off of yourself, your life, your little world. Reach out to others in love and compassion and you will quickly realize that your level of contentment will grow. Paul goes on to explain this in verse 14-19:

“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

These are some tricky passages of scripture, and unless we look closely, we might breeze right past the jewel that is to be discovered here.

First of all, Paul let the Philippian church know that he was completely satisfied and content, BUT he was also careful to also let them know that he wasn’t ungrateful for their support and sacrifice. He was, because he knew that they didn’t have a lot to give. It was a real sacrifice. They supported and encouraged him. They put the thought of helping him before their own need.

Paul saw this and said, “This is a good thing you have done. You were the only ones who supported me and sent aid.” But he also wanted them to know that he saw past the gift, and looked at their giving just as God would look at it.

In 4:17, Paul lets them know that his heart is joyful not because of the gift that he received but because of the fruit that abounds to their account. He is elated that they have grasped a heart to serve and are laying up treasures for themselves in heaven. He knows that they will greatly benefit from putting their own needs behind the needs of others.

And isn’t that just like the heart of a father or parent? Aren’t we, as parents, elated when we teach our child something that will truly benefit them and we see that glimmer in their eye that shows us that they really “get it?” When we see our own child putting others first, by sharing a toy, or holding a door open, doesn’t it make us beam with pride? This pride comes from the fact that we KNOW that doing the right thing will always benefit them in the long run. (key phrase being LONG RUN).

Sometimes it isn’t easy putting the needs of others first. Okay, let’s rephrase that: It’s hardly EVER easy. In fact it’s downright difficult sometimes. We want to volunteer, we want to give, but we rationalize that we are too busy or just don’t have enough to share.

Funny though, it’s generally when the sharing stings a bit that it’s the most rewarding. Think about your own child. What if they shared an old toy with a playmate; something they really didn’t care too much about. We, as parents would look at them and think to ourselves, “Okay, nice try…but they still don’t understand the concept completely.” Now think of how we feel when our child shares the very toy that they just received yesterday and have been wanting for months. We know it’s a stretch and a strain. It even stings a little. But when we see our child stretching themselves like that, our hearts just melt in awe. Witnessing this makes us want to reward our child a hundred times over….hmmm, sound familiar? Yes, our Heavenly Father looks at us in precisely the same manner. When He sees us stretch the limits of our own hearts, we touch His heart and He lavishly rewards us.
He rewards us with His presence, with contentment, with peace that passes understanding, and in ways that are exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever ask or think.

Isn’t that the answer you were looking for today? Isn’t that the answer to the gnawing discontentment that you were afraid might just morph into an uncontrollable monster as the pressures of this holiday season approach?

I’m glad we had this talk. Now go and face your day and stretch the limits of your heart. Be the incredible person God has designed you to be.

“A generous man will prosper and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)