"Learning To Be Content"
By Zach Wood
Philippians 4:11
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned
to be content whatever the circumstances.
 
 
I believe contentment is a struggle within each of us.  There is not one of us who does not go through each day of life without some temptation knocking at our door promising to make us happy if we just buy it.  Seems every time we turn around, we are enticed by another gadget that has revolutionized the way we communicate.  We are not only enticed by these things, but just by things we feel we need in our lives to make us happy. 
 
I find it so fascinating that Paul talks in this chapter about how he finds contentment in just being a follower of Christ.  He shares that he has learned to be content no matter his circumstances.  Can we possibly say the same?  Are we daily content with life no matter what happens around us?  Most of us would probably have to say no.
 
On a scale from one to ten, I would honestly have to say that my level of contentment is between two and three.  It is heart-wrenching to admit that, but it is very true.  I so allow circumstances around me to affect me and destroy my contentment.  I wish it were not so and am trying hard to fight the daily temptations. 
 
Mind you, this is NOT a quick overnight fix.  Paul knows it is truly hard to practice contentment.  He even says that he has learned.  It did not just come to him naturally.  He had to work at it, one step at a time.  That is also how we need to work at contentment.  We need to just be content with what God has given to us and blessed us with.  It is hard to not have things that others contantly grab for.  This devotional is nothing tremendously profound.  It is simply a reminder that we need to pray for strength from God for contentment when we find ourselves desiring what the world offers instead of what God gives. 
 
I pray that whatever you are struggling with in the area of contentment, that you would remember Paul's words.  It is a lifelong learning process and we cannot do it without God's guidance and strength.