Day 22 — Content

“I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

— Philippians 4:11–13 (BSB)

Everywhere you look, someone is trying to convince you that you need something new. A new phone. New shoes. A new game. The latest thing everyone else has. Ads are designed to make you feel like your life will be better if you just have one more thing.

And then you get it. And for a little while, it’s great. But soon there’s another new thing, and you want that too.

Paul had learned something that most people never figure out. He called it a secret: how to be content. Being content means being satisfied with what you have. It means having peace and gladness whether you have a lot or a little.

Paul had lived both ways. Sometimes he had plenty. Other times he was hungry, cold and in prison. But he said, “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.”

Notice the word learned. Contentment didn’t come naturally, even to Paul. He had to learn it. That means you can learn it too.

So what was Paul’s secret? It’s in the next verse: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

You might have heard that verse before, maybe on a sports poster, as if it means you can win any game or do any trick. But look at what Paul was actually talking about! He meant, Whether I have a lot or a little, Christ gives me the strength to be content. Paul had Jesus, and Jesus was enough.

When Jesus is your greatest treasure, you don’t need the newest thing to be happy. You already have the best thing.

Here are some ways to grow in contentment:

• Count your blessings. Thankfulness is the enemy of wanting more.
• Stop comparing. Someone will always have more than you.
• Remember what lasts. Stuff breaks and gets old. Jesus never does.

Think about it: Is there something you’ve been really wanting lately? Would getting it really make you content?

Try this: Look around your room and find ten things you’re thankful for that you already have. Thank God for each one.

Dear Jesus, the world keeps telling me I need more. Teach me the secret of being content. Help me see that You are enough, whether I have a lot or a little. Thank You for everything You’ve already given me. In Your name, Amen.