12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians4:11-13
Today we assume contentment has to do with circumstances. Paul understands it as a mindset. Many of us operate from a perspective that says that we have a _right_ to a trouble-free life. When trouble comes, we feel cheated and discontent.
Paul says contentment is not circumstance-defined but a choice. Sometimes we will need Divine help to be at peace in tough circumstances and Paul is crystal clear that this help is available.
A lot depends on what we are looking for:
A king once sent out two servants to travel through his kingdom: one to find flowers and one to find weeds. One came back dejected, shoulders drooping and feet dragging: "Your majesty, your kingdom is infested with weeds." The other came back with a smile on his face, wonder in his eyes and a sense of awe in his voice: "Your MAJESTY, your kingdom is just full of beautiful flowers!"
Trouble is certain to come our way and infirmity and weakness are realities we must deal with just as surely as each one of us gets older day by day. But Paul is adamant that contentment is found on bedrock more solid than our circumstances. That bedrock is the love of God and our relationship with him.
This bedrock of relationship with God enabled Paul and Silas to sing after being beaten and motivated Paul to write upbeat letters even when he was in prison.
Discontent focusses on what I don't have when I believe that I deserve it. Contentment has discovered the bedrock of knowing God's love.
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
