I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.—Philippians 4:12b-13 (NIV)

Years ago I traded my career as a CPA for a job as an au pair (nanny) so I could serve on a church mission team to Paris, France. Funds were tight and on a rainy day, one of my shoes literally fell apart while walking down a busy street. I didn’t have the money to buy another pair, so I used paper clips to hold my shoe together. Sadly, it wasn’t just my shoe which broke that day. My sense of well-being shattered as well. 

With my former job I had the means to financially help others. Suddenly I was the one in need ~ and I didn’t like how it felt. I remember sharing my discouragement with a wise friend. After listening to my story, she gently observed, “Shirley, you’ve known what it is to live in plenty. Now God wants to show you how to be content while living in want.” 

Her words referenced Philippians 4:12-13:

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12b-13 NIV)

Later, as I poured over this passage, I wrestled with unbelief. I gave God my doubts: “Lord I do not understand how this is possible. How can I be content in this situation? But because Your Word says I can, I am deciding to believe You. Please strengthen me so I can be content.”

And He did. I came to enjoy being a nanny and appreciated the extra time I could devote to the church and to my study of the French language. Serving on the mission team grew my faith and forged lifelong friendships ~ spiritual blessings which far outweigh any financial challenges.

I wish I could say I never again struggled with discontentment. But over the years the Lord has needed to remind me of this lesson many times. I found myself believing I could only be content when I … got married, had kids, earned that promotion, took that vacation, bought that house… 

Each time I returned to the key introduced by the Apostle Paul: I can only be content through the strength He gives me. This means wrestling with my unbelief in prayer, choosing to believe God’s promise, and asking Him to strengthen me.

Most recently, as I’ve stepped in to care for aging parents, I’ve wondered, “When my body starts to age and I lose my physical abilities, will I still be content?”

If I rely on myself, the answer will be an absolute “NO!” But if I choose to rely on His strength, the answer will be a resounding “Yes!” It’s my choice ~ will I choose to be content?

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us that contentment is not conditional on our circumstances. This truth challenges our faith because contentment in some situations feels impossible. We pray to trust in the truths of Your Word and ask You to give us the strength we need. We pray this in Your name. Amen.