Be Content

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11 NIV

“Be content.” I have heard too many times; I was/am supposed to be content. After 3 years of being a missionary, I had a moment of contentment one summer. I was driving with the wind on my face, little money in my pocket, and the clothes on my back and remembered the words of Paul: “I am content whatever the circumstances.” For the first time I felt it for real. I thought I was content before but not like at that moment. And it made me wonder.

Is it because I once lived with a good salary and a comfortable house, but spent a night under a bridge, cold and hungry? Is it because I once had a title and a position but became a servant for the sake of God’s calling?

Stepping into this life of dependance on God has brought many challenges but not always satisfaction.

What brought my heart to a state of contentment now after walking with God for 10 years? My trust in God! After learning about and from God and spending time with Him, I am starting to understand a little of His character. He is trustworthy and faithful. If I listen and obey, I shall be content. I had a revelation: Trust God and you will be content!

I then took the time to read all the letters from Paul. He talks about longing for Christ, living like citizens of heaven, working together, thinking about others has better than ourselves, and living a life of offering to God. He tells us to rejoice in the Lord to become one with Christ, stay true to the Lord, settle disagreement, and to pray about everything. He shares, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV). What if this was a prerequisite to the contentment he brought after talking about needs?

By Betty Ann Cyr | YWAM Vancouver, Canada