Cultivating Contentment: The Secret to Attain Contentment Part 1

The New Testament speaks of contentment sparingly, with only a handful of verses addressing it. Of these verses, the most well-known passage is Philippians 4:11-13, where Paul sheds light on the mystery of contentment.

In our series, Cultivating Contentment, we have explored various aspects of what contentment truly is. We have exegeted a biblical definition of contentment—trusting and finding satisfaction in God’s providence that results in pleasure and sufficiency, regardless of our circumstances. We also examined what contentment is not, considered the dangers of discontentment, and reflected on the excellencies of contentment. Now, we shift our focus to the practical side: how can we cultivate this contentment?

Interestingly, the Bible doesn’t provide detailed steps to attain contentment. And when Paul discusses it, he says it is a secret. The Greek word Paul uses here implies a mystery that requires initiation or thorough instruction. Thankfully, the mystery of contentment is not for a select few. It is an open secret Paul reveals in the next verse. Phil 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me.”

*This section was originally published in Philippians 4:10-23: The Secret Art of Contentment*

Jesus is the one who taught Paul contentment. He brought Paul through extreme seasons of plenty, hunger, abundance, and need. And He taught him that His grace is sufficient in any circumstances. Christ also teaches us contentment through both extremes—when we are at our lowest and highest.

“I know how to be brought low.” Paul is one apostle who suffered greatly for Christ (Acts 9:16). When he says he faced hunger and need, it is no exaggeration. He was flogged, shipwrecked, homeless, in danger from others, without food, clothing, and shelter (2 Cor 11:25-27). It was in such dire circumstances that Jesus taught him to be content.

“I know how to abound.” We might think it is easier to be content when we have everything we desire, but that is a mistake. Even when Paul was in abundance, he still needed to learn to be content because the human heart naturally yearns for more. Consider David, whom God blessed immensely. God gave David everything he required, yet David was not content—he coveted another man’s wife and took her for himself. Likewise, we are prone to discontentment, even when God answers all our prayers.

Jesus is the substance of biblical contentment; He alone satisfies and meets our needs. Many of us have been deceived into thinking we need things that we do not. We are so accustomed to some conveniences that we feel we cannot live without them. But Scripture teaches us that what we truly need is Jesus Christ; He is the bread of life that satisfies us forevermore (Jn 6:35).

If we have Christ, we will always have enough to be content, for He has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb 13:5). This applies to whether we are in times of abundance or need. The secret is Christ Himself! He is not a spare tire we rely on for those times we lack, only to store Him when we are in abundance. He is the substance of our contentment in all circumstances.

This, of course, does not mean we do not need necessities like actual food. But we must not confuse our wants with needs and live in an endless pursuit of more. Scriptures remind us that if we have food and clothing, we have all we need to be content (1 Tim 6:8-9), and Jesus has promised to give us that (Matt 6:31-33). Not only is He the substance of our contentment, but He also gives us strength to live it out.

Christ is the engine that empowers us to be content. As Paul says, “I can do all things through Him [Jesus] who strengthens me.”

People often take this Scripture out of context to suggest we can achieve our wildest dreams through Christ’s power. For instance, we can graduate from college, pay off our debts, or even perform supernatural feats. But that is not what Paul means here. All things refer to what God requires for holiness—His commands, precepts, and will, including contentment (1 Tim 6:6).

The Greek word for strength is endynamoo, from where we get the word dynamite. It means to be strong, increased with force, or empowered. Christ strengthens believers with power through His Spirit in our inner being (Eph 3:16), and apart from Him, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Therefore, it is only through Christ that we can be content, and it is enough for all forms of godliness.

One commentator writes, “The power of God is far greater than whatever it is that I am facing. There is no trial too difficult. There is no obstacle too high. There is no temptation too strong. There is no opposition too powerful. There is no persecution too threatening. If we put our faith and trust in God and follow Him in obedience, this joy will be our joy, and this contentment will be our contentment, and this confidence will be our confidence.”

Finally, Jesus is our supreme example of contentment. Jesus knows how to be brought low without being discontent. Jesus went from a heavenly throne to a lowly cross, from glory to no reputation. He was treated unjustly and suffered more than any man ever has. Still, He never complained (Is 53:7). He was poor and functionally homeless. Yet, Jesus never pursued more (Lk 9:58). Even on the eve of His most painful ordeal, He prayed for God’s will to be done rather than His (Mark 14:36). Jesus knew how to be content in all circumstances. Like Paul, we must follow in His footsteps.

In Him, I have an offering, an altar, a temple, a priest, a sun, a shield, a Savior, a Shepherd, a hiding place, a resting place, food, medicine, riches, honor, wisdom, righteousness, holiness, in short, everything.

John Newton

So what does this mean for us practically in our pursuit of contentment? It means biblical contentment flows from an ongoing, deep, and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. As we walk closely with Him, learn from His example, and rely on His strength, we can also grasp the secret to being content in all circumstances. There are four essential practices to build this intimacy with Christ.

Grow in your knowledge of Christ. Knowledge of God is the beginning of contentment. I am not speaking of intellectually knowing about Jesus, but experientially knowing Him. You can spend time with Jesus by engaging deeply with His Word—do not just read it, but study it, meditate on it, memorize it, and apply it. Scripture is the revelation of Jesus Christ, and the more time you bask in it, the more you will have a transforming knowledge of Christ.

Deepen your affection for Christ. As your knowledge of Christ increases, so should your love for Him. Reflect on His character and beauty, and let it stir your affections for Him. The more you treasure Christ, the more you will be satisfied with Him, and the less you will desire the things of the world.

Walk in obedience to Christ. As we grow in understanding and affection for Christ, obedience is the natural outflow. Scripture even equates knowing and loving Jesus with obeying Him (1 Jn 2:5, Jn 14:21). This means walking in His ways, keeping His commandments, and seeking to please Him in all areas of life. Our obedience to God in all things will foster our satisfaction in Him.

Be steadfast in prayer. As branches rely on the vine for life and nourishment, we draw our strength and grace from Christ through prayer. It is by His grace and strength that we can be content in all circumstances. So ask Jesus to help you rest in His sufficiency. Ask Him to teach you to deny yourself, humble your heart, and desire His glory. As John Bunyan wisely said, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”