The Secret of Contentment

So, if simplicity is not about eschewing abundant possessions, then what is it? Paul of course tells us that he is content. But I have had a hard time understanding why doesn’t spell out just what this secret is. But in reading that verse again in this current context, I realized that Paul does spell it out. Philippians 4:12-13 says, ‘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.’

The Secret of Contentment

I guess I want Paul to say something like ‘And the secret is…’ so that I would know exactly. Instead he simply states it at the end. Yes, I find that his secret is revealed that easily: ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’ Gives me strength? But when I am in abundance, what do I do with strength? The Greek actually gives me a different impression, an eye-opening impression. According to the parallel Greek on Biblehub.com, it says, ‘For all things, I am able in the One who empowers me.’ It makes more sense to me to think about the empowerment that I require when I am weak or when I am strong. When I am full and when I am empty. When I have much and when I have little. He empowers me to be able to cope, manage, handle, deal with the present circumstance.

In this third or fourth week of quarantine, I need His empowerment to endure in the lack of contact. I want to hug everyone I know! Will anyone let me once this is over? It is only in his empowerment that I cope with the isolation, the heartbreaking news, everything about now. So, the contentment too is about leaning on God, focusing on Him.

Are you content in this quarantine? What is it that He is empowering you with in this time? Share below. Thanks!