Title
Appropriating Contentment
Scripture
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
(Philippians 4:11)
Devotional
Contentment is a wonderful state. Biblical contentment is having confidence in God's provision. It is realizing that the grace of God is sufficient to meet all our needs. Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."[1] Furthermore this contentment or sufficiency is not self-centered it is abundant. Consider 2 Corinthians 9:8, "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."[2] Do you see it? Do you see that contentment in Christ is not just being satisfied with a little, but being content with His measure? This does not mean that we should not or cannot ask for an abundance of grace or an abundance of His provisions. It is being content in and with Christ. The key to our text is found in verse 13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."[3]
[1] 2 Corinthians 12:9
[2] 2 Corinthians 9:8
[3] Philippians 4:13