Content with God's Provision | Day 30 Freedom Season Devotional

Scripture: Philippians 4:11
“ … for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (NASB)

It’s likely you have heard that Paul said, “I’ve learned to be content in all circumstances,” or some variation thereof. I always thought it meant to be “happy” with little or with much. But I was wrong. 

While there is some element of learning to be satisfied with what you have implied in Philippians 4:11, the actual Greek word used here for “content” has an entirely different meaning. There are several verses in the New Testament that use the English word “content,” but this Greek word “autarkēs” only appears in Philippians 4:11. It means “sufficient for oneself; strong enough or sufficient enough to need no aid or support; independent of external circumstances.”  

The picture here is the ability to work with what you have in such a way that it is enough to meet the need. Rather than adjusting the resource to fit the need, being content in this sense can mean adjusting the need to fit the resource. To do this requires adjusting priorities to reassess what the need really is. “Do I really need that right now, or can I make it work with this?” 

Contentment is a powerful choice to trust God’s provision while carefully stewarding what we currently have in our hands. When we are content, we resist greed and entitlement. Contentment is a heart posture that prepares us to be able to be entrusted with greater kingdom resources.

Reflection: Are there areas where you’ve struggled with an attitude toward resource vs need?

Prayer: Father, teach me to faithfully steward what You have given me - to make Your priorities my priorities. Help me to find ways to adjust the need, when possible, to fit the resources I have. I trust You, Teach me to be grateful in all things and to learn every lesson You are teaching me along the way. Amen.