“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

For Paul, contentment was not spiritual gift but a lesson learned. This means that, at some stage in his life, he was discontented. He had to go through the process of suffering want…going without…experiencing unpleasant or dangerous circumstances…coming to terms with situations he could not control…repeatedly…or sometimes being overwhelmed with plenty until…gradually…he learned to take everything in his stride without reacting. 

This must have been tough for him…especially since he was  always on the road. He could not settle down to a routine life where he could work, earn a living, and take care of his own needs. He had to rely on God through the thoughtfulness and generosity of others. His life was always unpredictable. His “pantry” and his “purse” were either empty or full. 

So, how did Paul cope with asituations like that?

He learned! 

Paul opened his heart to understand new things…about God and himself. He learned that God loved him…always…unconditionally…in every circumstance. He learned that God was in control of everything about his life…and that nothing happened outside of God’s will. He learned that God was his source…and that He knew about his needs. 

Paul learned that contentment was about trust…about letting go of his compulsion to be in control. He learned that he had to make a choice…to complain about everything he didn’t like or…to be thankful for what he had and to  trust God for what he needed. 

For Paul, the outcome of the lessons he learned was…contentment…a quietness in his spirit that accepted everything he experienced as part of his preparation for the life to come because…God wanted it that way. 

Now, that’s a winning attitude! So, Paul could counsel the Corinthians…

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you…”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Let nothing move you…” because he had learned…that God is utterly faithful, reliable, and trustworthy…to keep His word!

To be continued