I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 4:11–12 NIV
For three days, the storm raged. He was a prisoner on the way to Rome and tried to warn them of the danger. But they wouldn’t listen. Fair Havens was an exposed harbor and a poor place to spend the winter, so the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix. Sure enough, the ship was soon caught up in a wind of hurricane force. They took such a violent battering they were forced to throw the cargo and the ship’s tackle overboard. When all hope was lost, he stood up to encourage them by telling of an angel’s visit the night before. “I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.” Who is this man? A prisoner who talks to angels?
On the fourteenth night of the storm, the sailors sensed they were approaching land. Fearing they would smash against the rocks, they dropped their anchors and prayed for daylight. Just before dawn he urged them all to eat in order to survive, and once again he promised, “Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” Who is this man that he knows such things? He took some bread and gave thanks to God, broke it, and began to eat. Once again, they were all encouraged. When daylight came, they could see a bay with a beach and thought they might be able to navigate safely between the rocks to reach the shore. So they cut loose the anchors, lowered the rudders, raised the foresail to the wind, and headed for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and the stern stuck fast, the pounding surf breaking it to pieces. Out of options, the commander shouted frantic orders for everyone to jump ship. And just as the prisoner promised, every single person reached land safely.
Upon learning they were on the island of Malta, Publius, the chief official, welcomed them and treated them kindly. When the prisoner learned that Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery, he prayed for him, laid hands on him, and healed him. Soon, all the other sick people on the island came and he healed them, too. Again the people marveled. Who is this man? As a result of his miraculous works, the locals honored the crew and supplied them with everything they needed to set sail again (Acts 27:1–28:10).
The prisoner was the apostle Paul, and he suffered many fiery trials in his service to Christ. In addition to stormy seas and shipwrecks, he faced countless angry mobs that whipped, beat, stoned, and robbed him, bound him in chains, and threw him into prison. He spent many painful and sleepless nights without food, water, or enough clothing to keep him warm (2 Corinthians 11:23–27). As if these circumstances weren’t difficult enough, he was afflicted with a thorn in his flesh that some think was a sort of debilitating physical ailment. He asked the Lord to remove it three times, and three times the Lord said no. “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Paul could have given up, but he didn’t. He knew the secret to contentment. He could see His life through God’s eyes and focus on what God called him to do instead of his own needs and wants. His priorities were aligned with God’s. He held on loosely to the things of this world and focused on the eternal. He knew he could do nothing apart from Christ (John 15:5). He performed many extraordinary miracles in spite of his ailment because he learned to depend on God’s power, not his own. In Christ, he could do all things (Philippians 4:13).
Paul encouraged and ministered to the sick and hurting, even as a shipwrecked prisoner. He wanted everyone to know the Source of his comfort and hope, and that even in the direst circumstances, God is more than enough. As the storm rages around you and your ship appears to be sinking, you can trust He will give you everything you need—courage to face every challenge, grace to overcome weakness, confidence to trust in His provision, obedience to bless others, and a heart that aligns with His. In Him, you have found the secret to contentment.
Father, I am weak. The storm has raged for too long, and I feel beaten down and shipwrecked. Thank You that in this place of weakness Your power will carry me! Help me to depend on Your strength instead of my own. In You, I can do all things!
Lord, when I desire more, please help me be content with what I have. Help me to be content in every circumstance and to know and trust that You will supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19). In this time of waiting, You alone are the Source of my comfort and hope. You are more than enough. I need Your courage, Lord. I need Your grace. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Help me see through Your eyes and bless others as You have blessed me. You know everything I need, Lord. You know the desires of my heart. But I need You more. You alone are the secret to my contentment.