My sister used to do a lot of cross stitch projects. She framed them and they made beautiful gifts for birthdays or Christmas. I have a scripture cross stitch hanging where I can see it every day. It says, “For I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
Many of you may know that statement. The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. I’ve known this verse a long time and have often wondered how he could ever say he was content in jail. Paul must have been delusional, or at least the translation was off. Maybe he really wrote that he was resolved or resolute.
Nope. Content is the word. Really? Content? So I should be content in whatever state I am? How is that possible? Maybe I don’t understand what content really means. According to Merriam-Webster.com:
Adj: in a state of peaceful happiness
Noun: a state of satisfaction
Synonyms: contented, gratified, happy, pleased, satisfied
No way. I can’t begin to be content in every circumstance. I’m too easily frustrated and too easily wounded. I am not alone. As I looked around at others sharing my life’s journey, I see many of friends, neighbors, and even those in line at the grocery who are just like me – discontented, dissatisfied, and unhappy.
In the wake of this highly charged Christmas season, I realize God has been confronting me with this passage at every turn. Tired? Be content. Overwhelmed? Be content. As soon as that voice in my head starts to scream, God’s still, quiet voice breaks through. It’s not easy, but with His help, it is possible.
I think that’s why I’ve never understood this passage before. I thought there was something I had to do or something that was missing in my character. As usual, I thought it was all about me and a flaw in who I am. Perhaps some people are just hard-wired to be more content than others. Their temperament must allow for them to be more easy-going and calm. The truth is that it’s a spiritual issue. I’m looking at my situation though world-weary eyes. My eyes don’t see clearly and I am deceived at every turn when I rely on my own vision. When I rest in God and meditate on Him, I can be content.
I’d love to tell you the change in my heart changes my physical frustrations. Most of the time, It doesn’t. Just like Paul, I’m still “in prison”. I’m still captive to the chaos of this world as long as my feet walk this earth. My spirit, however, is free. I can find peace, solace, gratification and satisfaction in every situation. The solution is in another letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians:
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. (2:19)
“Christ who lives in me.” The Spirit who is the fulfillment of God’s promises lives in me. That’s how I can be content. I relinquish my sight to the Spirit’s direction and find contentment.
Isn’t that what we all really want for Christmas and for the New Year? Don’t we all long to be happy and to make those around us happy? I know I do. So, right now, right here, today and every day, I renew a relinquishing of my will to the Spirit’s will. It’s the best gift I can give myself and the people around me.
For I have learned (am learning) to be content in every circumstance.
