In Search of Contentment - The Crosswalk Devotional - June 12
In Search of Contentment
By Aaron D’Anthony Brown
Bible Reading:
I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content, whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13, CSB)
If there’s one undeniable truth about the human condition, that truth would be that each of us always wants something. That something could be significant or insignificant, like a new book, fresh clothes, a relationship, more money, or a better job. There’s no way to produce an exhaustive list because of our unique desires, and our hearts never stop longing for more. We want to be children, and we want to be adults.
All this wanting is normal, but normal isn’t always moral or productive. In this case, normal means not being very content in life. Chances are, this describes you or many of the people you know.
However, this need not always be true. How do we become more content, and what exactly is it? Based on the aforementioned passage from Paul, contentment denotes a mindset of peace that is not contingent upon circumstances. Paul learned how to find peace when having much and with having a little. Based on this testimony, we can tell that to be content does not mean that you don’t want anything at all. Instead, contentment is finding peace with what you have. That can be true of us even while still desiring something else, something more.
Paul also reveals to us the source of his contentment. Indeed, he has worked to attain his mindset, but the basis for this change is his belief that Christ will strengthen him. Contentment is possible because of Christ. Not because of himself or his possessions. That is something we need to recall today.
So often, we find ourselves wanting, but how often do we find ourselves content? If that’s where you want to be, know that, as Paul’s words reveal, we, too, can be strengthened by Christ in this way. We can find peace wherever and with whatever we have in life.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Regarding contentment, we know we can be like Paul, but what practical steps can we take? Here are three:
Remember the Season
Remember the abundance when you have a little and the little when you have abundance. When you do, you can manage your perspective. Naturally, we all go through various seasons of life. Don’t expect your money always to be the same, nor will the condition of your relationships be the same. We gain, we lose, sometimes we try again. Change in life is inevitable. Sometimes those changes are not good, or at least, not what we wanted. When that happens, remember it’s just a season.
Practice Gratitude
You might consider yourself grateful, but chances are you can be even more appreciative. Take some time to consider what you take for granted in life. Maybe you’re thankful to be married, dating, or having a home or family. However, do you take time to thank God for running water, clean air, shoes to wear, owning a phone, or your ability to use the bathroom? The more we are thankful, the fewer reasons we have to be discontented.
Trust God
Trusting God is easier said than done, but it is possible. Paul grew in his faith and learned to believe that whatever ordeal he faced, he could overcome it when Christ strengthened him. That’s the kind of relationship we can find with Christ. Whether we have a lot or a little, Jesus knows our hearts. He knows what we need, and He’ll provide. If we turn to Him, He can help us overcome anything. More importantly, even if the situation doesn’t change or when we want, Christ can strengthen us to be content. As humans, we always want, but we can always be content despite our ongoing desires. With a shift in perspective, we can make Jesus the result of our search for contentment.
Further Reading (and Listening):
Hebrews 13:5
Matthew 6:33
2 Corinthians 12:10
“All I Need” by Forrest Frank & Hulvey
“Standing In The Need” by The New Life Community Choir
Photo Credit: @davidjackson
Get in touch with him at aarondanthony.com and check out his debut short story anthology Honey Dreams on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
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