In his thank-you letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul states that he has learned to be content no matter what state he is in. He goes on to say that he can do everything through him who gives him strength – that is, the Lord. He thanks the Philippians for sending him some support, saying that he is now amply supplied, and then he adds “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
This section of Philippians 4 has to do with our attitude, whether we have everything we need or whether we don’t. And what is our attitude supposed to be, when we don’t have food or clothing or rent money?
I know what the attitude of many of us would be. Panic. Fear. Anger. Anger at God, who we feel has let us down. Didn’t God know we needed money? Job security? Good health? Stable marriage? Well if he knew it, why didn’t he do something about it? And so we’re angry at God. We're definitely not content!
Paul didn’t say how long it took him to learn to be content, but it did take some learning for him and I’m certain it takes some learning for every believer.
I remember the days when with clenched teeth I spiritually "yelled" at God, I WILL learn to be content, I WILL. And eventually I did, but it wasn't easy.
Over the years, especially this last year, I've found this is a lesson that has to be repeated occasionally.
