Not that I speak in terms of want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
As the winter snows piled high and the January winds drove us all indoors, an old friend used to quote today’s text, and add, ‘That’s OK, as long as it’s the state of Florida.’ Just like the winter blast can make us long for the balmy summer breezes and the sultry heat of summer can make us wish to be on the cool Bay of Fundy coast, so the circumstances of life can often make us desire to be somewhere else than in the trials and difficulties. It takes much grace to truthfully be as content as Paul was with his circumstances. As he penned these words about being contented, he was shivering in a Roman prison more than half expecting an order for his execution to be issued at any time.
If we complain about the circumstances into which God has led us, we are actually criticizing God. Of course, many of our troubles are of our own making, the direct result of our foolishness and disobedience. But if we can be sure that what we are experiencing is because we are where God has placed us, we had better not be blaming God for our troubles. Everything He does for us is for our best, even though it might not seem like it at times. To be content with our state is to be in agreement with God’s will.
One of the things that sustained the apostle Paul was the knowledge that even in the trials that came his way, he was so much better off than in his unsaved days. We need to remember that, too. Despite all that happens, our soul is safe, our future is secure, our Lord is coming. Remember how the Israelites in the wilderness took to longing for the melons and cucumbers of Egypt, for the leeks and onions and garlic from the banks of the Nile. They somehow forgot about the whips and rigour of their slavery, the very reasons why they fled to freedom. We need to remember how much worse off we were in our unconverted days, and it will help us to be more content with God’s placement of us now.
Godliness with contentment are not only great gains, but are also great companions. Let us learn to be content -Jim MacIntosh