The Secret of Contentment

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…”    (Philippians 4:11)

I’ve always admired architecture, in particular houses. My grandfather was an architect, and I have fond memories of being called into his home office to see a beautiful home taking shape on his drawing board. He designed some of the finest homes in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Houston, still standing today.

So yesterday, when my husband and I were driving through an affluent area on the way to play golf, I found myself gazing at the beautiful mansions that lined the main thoroughfare. They reminded me of my grandfather’s architectural creations. At first I was just appreciative of their beauty, but then the envious thoughts began to pry their way in.

“I wonder how they’re able to afford these grand homes?”

“Why was I never able to live in something like this?”

Wasn’t it just two weeks ago that I wasn’t sure if we’d have a house at all? In an attempt to downsize, we sold our old home, were under contract for a new house, but encountered difficulties in financing because of a missing IRS form.

When it looked like we might be homeless, the deal came through at the 11^th hour, in a way we never imagined.

The coveting didn’t last long.

I reined in the stray thoughts, and as I confess my envy to you all, I look around at our new place, and tell you I love our house! I am thankful for what God provided. It is perfect for us, as we move into our older years. I don’t want, or need any more square footage.

To have contentment, sometimes we have to go with the flow, and sometimes it is more difficult to accept our place in life than others.

A couple of weeks ago, I was asking God to help me be content, if we didn’t end up in our own home. That was tough.

Where do you need contentment?

In the good times and the bad, God asks us to be content, because he is sovereign, and there is a reason you are where you are.

Paul understood. In Philippians 4, he said he learned to be content whatever the circumstances. He knew what it was like to be in need and to have abundance.

He also said there was a secret to being content. In the very next verse, he whispers the secret. We can be content in the good times and bad through Jesus’ power. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Where are you lacking contentment today?

First confess your discontent, then ask God to help you see the situation through his eyes. Pray the Lord provides the contentment that you are lacking, then thank him for whatever circumstance you are in, because God is using it to draw you closer to him, and to shape you into a more holy vessel.

I guess the secret is out.