How To Be Content
Satisfaction is something that we all strive for in life. We want to be happy, fulfilled, and content. It is easy to feel content when everything is going our way, but how can we find satisfaction and feelings of fulfillment when circumstances are not ideal?
The apostle Paul is a great person to study in order to learn how to be content in all circumstances. In Philippians 4, he writes,
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)
These are powerful words, but what makes them even more powerful is that Paul actually wrote these while he was in prison.
Can you imagine? Saying that you are actually satisfied and fulfilled in such a scary and hard situation?
There are many situations that we face in life that can feel like a prison.
Blindness, for me, is definitely one of those situations. It is easy for me to feel trapped and unable to break free of the trials, limitations, and grief that my sight loss has caused in my life. By studying Paul, we can learn how to turn even the darkest of circumstances into a reason to keep moving and keep finding joy through the Lord.
Turn Obstacles into Opportunities
The first lesson we can learn from Paul about finding contentment in all circumstances is to look at that dark situation as a challenge. When Paul was in prison, he wrote,
“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.” -Philippians 1:12-14 (NLT)
Instead of focusing on the hardships that I’m sure came with being in prison, Paul instead focused on the opportunity at hand.
He was now in a whole new setting and mission field where the Good News, the message of Christ, could be and needed to be spread. He focused on this purpose and found contentment through that call.
When I lost my sight, it was hard to see the opportunities through the enormous obstacle that were now in my path. It took time for me to see, like Paul, that I now had a new purpose. Through my hardships, I have the opportunity to share with others how the Lord is giving me strength to rise above each trial that I face.
In choosing to see my obstacles as an opportunity and a challenge through which I can share about Christ and his grace, power, and mercy keeps me feeling satisfied and fulfilled despite the painful circumstances that can also accompany my blindness.
“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” -Philippians 1:29 (NLT)
Focusing on the Bigger Picture
Another lesson we can learn from Paul about finding contentment through our trials is to focus on what lies ahead. Too often, we let our grief and pain overwhelm us and we start to think that it will never go away. We think that, if we could only see an end to our troubles, everything would be okay.
The good news is that, when we focus on the Lord, we can see an end through His love, comfort, and guidance. When Paul was in prison, he honestly did not know if he would live or die. Instead of focusing on the fear that often accompanies death, however, Paul thought about the ultimate “big picture”.
“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” -Philippians 1:20-21 (NLT)
You see, Paul recognized that the ultimate end to our suffering and what we should look forward to most in this life is not something that we can find here on earth. Rather, it is the promise of having an eternal resting place with the Lord in Heaven.
This fact, no doubt, gave Paul contentment despite his suffering, along with the bigger picture of his purpose here on earth. We see this as he goes on to write,
“But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So, I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.” -Philippians 1:22-26 (NLT)
For Paul, the bigger picture of his suffering was that, through his journey and how God was using Him, more people were going to be led to follow Christ.
For him, that was the light at the end of the tunnel that told him the journey, someday, would all be worth it.
When I first lost my sight, it was almost impossible for me to see the bigger picture. I could not get past my immediate hardships and grief. What I learned, though, is that, like Paul, if we focus on the Lord during these times, He can be that light at the end of the tunnel when it seems like all that lies ahead is darkness.
Through praying for guidance and putting my ultimate trust in Him, I was able to find strength, a purpose, and a bigger picture despite my immediate, tough circumstances.
Turning to God in Prayer
Last, we can find contentment despite our circumstances by submitting to the Lord in prayer. In Philippians 4, Paul writes,
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Material possessions come and go, situations in life can be devastating, and sadness, grief, and pain can threaten to steal our joy, but Paul has taught us that we truly can be content through all of this.
How? Because all we really need to be satisfied and fulfilled is Christ. When we lean on Him, rejoice in His power, and turn all of our discontentment over to Him, we realize that, there is really nothing more that we need.
How can you embrace contentment today?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sara Claudia is a public speaker and writer from Carrollton, GA. After losing her sight in 2015, she embarked on a journey that both tested and strengthened her faith. She found a passion for sharing her testimony and experiences through her writing and speaking. In her spare time, Sara Claudia enjoys exploring God's beautiful creation through travel and being outdoors.