In the book of Philippians, Paul writes about ‘the secret of being content.” He says that he had learned how to be content in all circumstances and ‘every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.’ (Philippians 4:12 NIV)

Today I’m breaking down what it means to be content no matter the circumstances and how we can do that in the current day.

Now, before I start, I want to remind you that this is the book of Philippians—it’s one of my favorite books in the Bible, and here’s why: it is the most joyous book in the Bible and it’s pretty ironic because at the time, Paul was in prison.

The things he says and the joy he proclaims would be normal in the setting of wealth or if he were a famous, well-liked person, but let me tell you: he was no. Again, he was in prison and he was pretty hated.

Of course, Paul was used to being hated. Before he became a Christian, he was hated because he killed and persecuted Christians—after he became a Christian, he became hated because he was a Christian, proudly fighting against the Roman soldiers’ rules and religious persecution, even while he was in prison.

Anyways: Paul was hated but he figured out the secret of being content, no matter the circumstances. He writes in chapter four, verses eleven through twelve, that he knows what it is to be in need and he knows what it is to be in plenty. He’s seen it all.

Now—there’s something I wanted to bring up about the secret of contentment, and I’ll get to what that is in a moment. But there’s this thing called overindulgence/overconsumption.

Have you seen videos of girls or women doing those restocks for their makeup, skincare, or fridges?

One video of a woman doing a fridge restock had the caption, “$2,000 fridge restock.”

TWO. THOUSAND. DOLLARS.

Anyways—there are videos of girls taking their walk-in closets and converting them to makeup closets with dozens of the same brand-new products, sorting them and making it look all cute and preppy, and then guess what—they don’t use all the products. Eventually, the products expire and they just throw the never-opened bottle away.

It’s just a bit absurd. Just a bit.

Anyways. Our world knows how to be content with the goodness they have—but not with what they don’t have.

Finding contentment is not just ‘being happy no matter what.’ That’s hard, and that’s not rooted in faith in God or His plan. So how do we find this secret of contentment, and what is it?

Well first let me say this: in the video I showed y’all, one’s worth might be found in objects. Money, makeup, clothes, anything that can be acquired in access. And the first step to acquiring contentment is this:

1. Shift where you place your worth. Where do you place your worth? Is it in the opinions of other people? Or maybe in things you can buy? Or maybe in the things you do: your sports, writing, singing, and other talents? Shift your focus onto Christ and the fact that he loves you no matter what.
2. Practice gratitude. You’ve heard the phrase, “It’s the little things that count.” And quite honestly, those little things can become big things if you pay attention to them. Your car works every day? That’s normal if you glance at it. But if it breaks down every day? That’s really bad—so the fact that it doesn’t break down every day is actually amazing. (Does that example even make sense? Let me know if it doesn’t.)
3. Share your goodness. Have you heard a friend’s story and you just feel a wave of love or joy about their positive experience? Maybe they went to Disneyland or were healed from a sickness or got married. Share your goodness, something small, with someone around you. You got to make cookies? Share it! You made a friend? Share it! You wrote half a chapter in your book after not writing for weeks? SHARE IT! You get what I’m saying.

When Paul was in prison, he took note of the things to be grateful for: his friends were alive. He was arrested for Christ. He was safe. People were believing in the Gospel, his mission was complete. The churches in Philippi were healthy and strong.

He had so much to be grateful for—even if he had been arrested. Even if he was in prison. Even though he didn’t know if he was getting out. Because he had found the secret of contentment.

And what is that secret of contentment? It is peace in Christ.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!
~Willow