Learning to be Content

…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content….” Philippians 4:11

Long ago I thought this meant feeling content—like the way you feel after eating an especially satisfying meal, or reading a well-written book.

Now I believe that it is not a feeling but a state of mind, a response. In response to negative circumstances, I have learned to tell myself the truth. To remind myself that I deserve far worse: in fact the wrath and curse of God is what I deserve, now and forever. Anything less is an undeserved mercy. God is good and wise and only does what is best for me.

Contentment is accepting God’s providence; being able to say, “It is enough.” No matter what “it” is. It might not feel good. Indeed, there might be a great deal of physical or emotional pain. Yet we rise up with Eli, with Job, with Joseph, with Daniel, with David, with Steven, with Paul and that great cloud of witnesses, to say, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” (I Samuel 3:18b).

What is thy only comfort in life and in death?

That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the Devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head, yea that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by his Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.

Question 1, Heidelberg Catechism

Our church uses the Westminster Shorter and Larger Catechisms, which I do like, but I must say that I find many of the Heidelberg Catechism questions wonderfully rich. This is one of my favorites, and I want us to memorize it.

What a comfort to have this in your mind and available for meditation in times of trouble.