The Secret of Contentment

For many years, I did not know what contentment was.

Like many people, I believed happiness was always just beyond my reach. If I could buy one more thing, accomplish one more goal, or improve my circumstances just a little more, then I would finally be satisfied. But every time I reached one goal, another one appeared. Contentment always seemed to stay just out of reach.

Looking back, I wish someone had taught me early in my walk with Christ that contentment is not something you find in this world. It is something you learn as you walk with God.

The apostle Paul understood this truth. He wrote,

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11)

Notice Paul said he learned to be content. It was not something that came naturally. It was a lesson God taught him through both good times and difficult times.

Paul continued,

“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12–13)

Paul's contentment was not based on his circumstances. It was based on his confidence in Christ. Whether he had little or much, whether life was easy or difficult, he trusted that God knew exactly what he needed.

That is where true contentment begins.

Contentment is not pretending everything is perfect. It is trusting that God is faithful even when life is not.

One of the greatest enemies of contentment is the constant desire for more. Our culture tells us that we will be happy if we have a bigger house, a newer vehicle, more money, or greater success. But once we get those things, we soon discover they do not satisfy for long. There is always something newer, bigger, or better waiting to take its place.

Paul warned Timothy about this very danger.

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6–8)

Notice what Paul says is "great gain." It is not wealth. It is not success. It is godliness with contentment.

That does not mean it is wrong to work hard, save money, or enjoy God's blessings. The problem begins when we believe those things will satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts. Only Christ can do that.

Jesus reminded His followers not to spend their lives worrying about what they would eat, drink, or wear.

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’... for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Matthew 6:31–32)

How often we worry about things our heavenly Father already knows we need.

Instead of living with anxious hearts, we are called to trust Him.

Paul gives us another wonderful promise.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Notice what God promises to supply. He promises our needs, not necessarily every one of our wants. There is a difference. God always knows the difference, even when we do not.

I have found that many of the things I once thought I needed were simply things I wanted. God, in His wisdom, often said no to those desires while faithfully providing everything that truly mattered.

Contentment also changes the way we look at the blessings we already have.

Instead of focusing on what is missing, we begin thanking God for what He has already given us. A grateful heart and a content heart always seem to go together.

David understood this when he wrote,

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

David was not saying he would never face hardship. He faced plenty of hardship. He was saying that because the Lord was his Shepherd, he could rest knowing God would care for him.

That is the heart of contentment.

The older I get, the more I realize that the greatest treasures in life cannot be bought. Peace. Joy. Forgiveness. Hope. Eternal life. These are gifts that come only through Jesus Christ.

The world spends billions of dollars trying to convince us that happiness can be purchased. God tells us that contentment is learned.

It is learned by trusting Him.

It is learned by thanking Him.

It is learned by believing that His plans are better than our own.

If you struggle with contentment, you are not alone. Most of us have. But like Paul, we can learn the secret.

The secret is not having everything we want.

The secret is discovering that Christ is enough.

When He becomes enough, everything else finds its proper place.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler  | The Other Side of Amen | All rights reserved.