Be Content in Whatever State....

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4:11-12

Paul said he learned to be content in whatever state he was in. He knew what it was to be abased (in a low state) and how to abound (fulfilled) and in whatever state or situation he was in, he was content. I like that Paul said he had to learn to be content in those situations. This means that this did not happen overnight, it was a process. This learning process may have taken a while or maybe not long at all. At first, I can imagine Paul may have asked God, "Why me? Why are these things happening to me? We have to remember that Paul was a man who survived shipwrecks, imprisonment, beatings, and near-death experiences, but yet he spoke of contentment. Would we have been content in these situations and far worse situations he faced?

While Paul faced many afflictions due to his belief in Christ, it did not deter him from continuously preaching about Christ and admonishing other believers to continue living Christ-centered lives. This scripture reminds us that contentment is not dependent on external circumstances. Having inner peace and joy makes going through challenging times easier. Paul had a deeper conviction. He knew that this earthly realm was only a part of his experience as a spirit-filled human being. What mattered most was his relationship with Christ and preaching His word. Paul's mission was to continually encourage the early church and to bring others to Christ. 

There are situations in life that are difficult. Being homeless, not having enough food to eat, being abused, and the loss of a loved one, are all challenging circumstances we face in this life. I can not tell anyone how to react when facing difficult circumstances but I can share with you that Paul chose to be content. It was a decision he made. How am I supposed to choose to be happy even in the face of abuse, death, and bitterness?  

Paul's contentment did not come from within himself, it came from Christ. Even when he had everything that would make one happy, he learned that true happiness came from God. Therefore, when the hard times came, when the hurt and the pain were too much for any human to endure, he knew that Jesus would give him the strength to endure. Paul's confidence was rooted in the belief that God would meet his every need, whether in times of plenty or in times of lack. 

When I start to complain about things, it changes my mood instantly. I automatically become upset and frustrated. However, when I shift my thinking to the many blessings God has bestowed upon me, I am instantly grateful. I know some people who love to focus on the negative things in life, it fuels their very existence it seems. But for those of us who want to be like Paul, and find contentment in all phases of life, here are a few practical steps we can take.

1. Trust in God’s Provision

Paul trusted that God would provide for him in every situation, whether it was physical needs or emotional support. In our own lives, contentment begins when we trust that God is enough. Whether we are experiencing abundance or scarcity, we can trust that God sees our needs and will provide what we truly need in His perfect timing.

2. Focus on the Eternal, Not the Temporary

Many of the things that rob us of contentment are temporary, life phases that usually end. But when we fix our eyes on Christ and the eternal, our perspective shifts. Matthew 6:33 reminds us, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." When we prioritize God’s kingdom and purposes, we find a deeper fulfillment that the world can’t offer.

3. Practice Gratitude

One of the simplest ways to cultivate contentment is through gratitude. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we can choose to thank God for what we have. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude helps us recognize God’s faithfulness in every season and shifts our hearts from a posture of wanting more to appreciating what we’ve already been given.

4. Rely on Christ’s Strength

Paul’s contentment was rooted in his reliance on Christ’s strength, not his own. In moments when life feels overwhelming or when we find ourselves dissatisfied, we can turn to Christ for the strength to endure and find peace. Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." When we lean on Christ’s strength, we find that we have everything we need to face whatever life brings.

5. God Will Provide

Paul knew that God would supply the things that he needed. Whatever state you are in be assured that God knows and understands the struggles and He will make provisions for you to be content. “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches and glory by Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:19. 

Paul’s contentment wasn’t based on his circumstances, and ours doesn’t have to be either. Whether we’re experiencing times of plenty or times of need, we can find peace in the knowledge that Christ is enough. Contentment comes when we place our trust in Him, not in our situation. It’s not about having everything we want; it’s about knowing that in Christ, we already have everything we need.

Let’s embrace the same mindset Paul had—learning to be content in every circumstance, whether life is going according to plan or taking an unexpected turn. In Christ, we find the strength, peace, and joy that transcends our circumstances.

As we reflect on Philippians 4:11-12, let's ask God to help us find contentment in Him alone, trusting that He will provide for us in every season of life.