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According to the Oxford Dictionary, contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction. According to Strong's Concordance, “Contentment is a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed.” In other words, a person is content who has all the necessities of life in a sufficient amount. It’s not that a person has all the toys they want to play with, but that all their needs are met and they are in a satisfied state. A person who is satisfied with what they have is not greedy, covetous, or jealous. 

*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*. Philippians 4:12

The Apostle Paul was able to take the concept of contentment beyond the realm of having his physical needs met. He was able to be content even in situations of want and hunger because of his trust in the Lord and his understanding of God’s purposes as expressed in Romans 8:28-29:

*And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters*.

Because we have been predestined to be conformed to the image of God’s Son, the **fiery trials** that we face serve to **purify us as gold through a fire**. No matter what the circumstances, God works it for our good, His glory, and the advancement of His Kingdom. God’s times of testing builds our faith, teaches us patience and sanctifies our souls.

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Paul learned that the secret of being content in every situation is by understanding God’s sovereignty and His purposes. As the omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful) supreme ruler of the universe, God is in control of the circumstance that we face – whether times of tribulation or pleasure – and in “all things” God is working those situations for the good of His children. 

Even when we understand God’s ultimate purposes for the trials that we face, the enemy will still try to instill fear in us and make us doubt God’s goodness. The “Thief” will try to rob us of our contentment. But we have spiritual weapons to come against the Father of Lies. These spiritual weapons are prayer and the Word of God.

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*Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.* Philippians 4:6-7

To guard our heart (the wellspring of our emotions) and our mind (our thought life) from the attack of the “evil one,” we remind ourselves that God is sovereign and His purposes are good by offering up our prayers to Him with thanksgiving.

*Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.* 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18

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It is God’s will for us to be joyful always, even in difficult circumstances. We can be thankful in those situations when we understand that He uses times of trial to mold us into the image of Christ and for His glory. We can attain contentment when we focus on the goodness and wisdom of God, and not our circumstances.

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