“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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 4:12-13

What comes to mind what you consider the word contentment?

Contentment is a balanced state, highly longed for, seldom achieved. Most people desire contentedness. Yet, it's elusive. Few people are genuinely content through the twist and turns of life.

I find it interesting that many of us chase contentment like a toddler with a Sharpie (even those who are led by the Spirit wrestle with discontentment), and yet, Paul reveals to us in scripture the "secret" so many of us look for. According to Paul, contentment can be ours in every situation. I can be ours in the good and the bad, the rich and poor, in fertility or infertility, whether fit or fifteen over, rested, or sleepless, in times of marital bliss or barely making it. Our steady-state of contentment comes from an inner strength that trumps any external experience. It comes from an inner strength bestowed to us by Christ Himself. It's an undeniable truth. But let's be fair, how is a gal to apply it to every day, comparison dense, messy, hard, hormonal, happy and sad, real life?

The answer is found in a formula. I call it RSB (Read, Speak, Believe). Since about the 60s, the population of believers has suffered significant inequity in our hearts with a focus on "me." The religion of "me" handicaps us, and we forget the proper order that fulfills the promises. When our eyes and minds focus on ourselves, we must remind ourselves of our privilege and duty to know God, affirm God, and obey God. That's the "secret" to which Paul refers. Regardless of what my eyes see, despite what I feel at any given moment, my responsibility as a disciple of Christ is to know what God says, declare it, and believe that what He says is true. Sometimes we must "RSB" the discontentment right out of us, amen? What do we know, what does He say, and what's ours to obey?

We have all the strength we need

We are masterfully, uniquely, wonderfully, and perfectly made in the image of God.

We are never forgotten or forsaken.

THE Provider supports us.

THE Healer heals us.

We have a God who mends broken hearts and redeems all things.

Life is full of hills and valleys, but contentment is still available. Today, may we all pray to be more like Paul, content in all circumstances of life. When we give God little, He gives us much. Blessings on you today.