Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11–13 NKJV
In his letter to the believers living in Philippi, the Apostle Paul thanks the church for their kindnesses to him (Philippians 4:14–16) and shares wisdom on the virtue of contentment. He points the Philippians to Jesus as the only one who can satisfy their needs.
Contentment—it’s something very few people master, no matter their life circumstances.
We often look at our lives and see everything that is lacking. Our house isn’t big enough. Our salary isn’t high enough. If we’re single, we might spend all our time longing for a spouse and children. And if we’re married, we might slip into daydreaming about the days when we didn’t need to spend all our time caring for a family.
According to Scripture, it’s normal for us to feel discontented when we look at our earthly circumstances. After all, everything we have in this world is temporary and was never made to satisfy our hearts. It’s only in heaven that we can find treasure that lasts (Matthew 6:19–21).
In this passage, Paul reminds us that our relationship with Jesus Christ is the only reliable source of contentment. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Through all our shifting circumstances, we can count on him to remain faithful. And through our relationship with him, we can learn to focus less on our earthly riches and more on heavenly riches. Like the Philippians, we can dedicate our lives to generously helping others, trusting God to meet all our needs in Jesus Christ.