ARE YOU CONTENT?

ARE YOU CONTENT?

Phil 4:11-19

 I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

           Paul wrote to thank the Philippian church for their financial contributions to his ministry. In that letter he explains that he had learned [by experience] how to enjoy plenty and he had also learned [by experience] how to suffer want. He was at peace with both situations.

           The Greek word for “content” is autarkes which literally means self-complacent.  Dr. Charles Stanley says that contentment is “Accepting God's sovereign control over all of life's circumstances.” Ah, there it is! God’s control.

           Contentment, for the believer, comes when we yield control of our circumstances to a higher, benevolent, force. When we worry, scheme, and grapple with the situation contentment flees but when we rest in the Lord contentment is the product.

           Heat and cold, pain and pleasure, or plenty and want are all the same to the one who has relinquished control to Jesus.

Dear Lord, Today I yield my control to you. I yield to your wisdom, your power, and your provision. Now I can rest in my circumstances. AMEN