‘I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.’ - Philippians 4:10-13
One of the things I learned from my counselor, it is possible to be content and still desire things to be different. You can be content and still desire for things to be different because contentment is not resignation to our current reality. Contentment is choosing to place our hope in something that is immovable. As we have just walked through Holy Week, one of the things we see from Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is His pleading the Father, ‘…if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will (Matt 26:39).’ It is good news for you and me that the contentment of Christ did not rest in avoiding the cross. The contentment of Christ rests in doing the will of the Father.
Lord, thank you for modeling contentment for us. Forgive our fickle hearts, our circumstantial contentment, and our unwillingness to endure with You who bore the cross and curse of our sin. Let our hearts settle into contentment as we see Your completed work. In Your name, amen.
For contentment,
AB