In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13)
I wonder if Paul were alive today, if he’d be content during this pandemic? With the recent order banning all gatherings, except certain businesses. With all city parks and beaches closed, companies closing down, unemployment soaring, loved ones falling sick, the inability to plan no more than a week out, and basically stuck in your house all day, everyday. I really wonder if Paul would be able to say what he said during COVID?
For many of us, it feels like we’re losing our bearings with everything that’s going on. But for Paul, what made him in a perpetual state of contentment was that he had already welcomed and accepted the hard road early on in his walk with Christ. Yet for many of us, all we do is avoid uncomfortable situations. Paul’s acceptance of challenges gave him the ability to endure pretty much anything. And his acceptance of suffering allowed him to experience Christ, in ways he never would have. And this is what sustained his contentment.
In this same letter, Paul said something that has staggered many. Paul explained to the Philippians that he didn’t want to just know the “power of Christ’s resurrection” but also “the fellowship of his sufferings” (3:10). Wait, what? He wanted to know and share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings? Why? Having the opportunity to obey and serve his Savior gave him the opportunity to know Christ better and better. So could this be the secret to being content? Embrace suffering and know a side of Christ many of us don’t?
It also seems to me that in our frequent hardships from COVID, the restrictions of activities, comfort, and our securities. We now have the opportunity to experience a bit of what Paul experienced on the daily. And that just might lead us to truly say “I consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:8). That’s contentment right there. So in “abundance or in need” who or what will you turn to? Will you allow Christ to strengthen you?