Secret of Contentment

SECRET OF CONTENTMENT

Philippians 4:11

“I am not saying this because I am in need, [Philippians’ history of concern for Apostle Paul], for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

Ten year old Jeremy shook his hand, trying to get the blood flowing. “My hand is numb, Brad!” he said. “It feels weird.”

Nevertheless, Jeremy threw the football to his buddy Brad in the best spiral he could manage, while at recess from their fifth grade classroom.

The football waffled back and forth before Brad snatched it out of the air. “Does your hand feel better yet?” he yelled, before passing the football back to Jeremy.

Jeremy caught the football, and responded, “Yeah, glad that’s over!”

Sometimes, bothersome inconveniences frustrate people for a little bit. Other times, we can’t see the end of our troubles. People usually blame life circumstances for their frustrations. That’s when they become irritated and short tempered. It’s wise to get a handle on problems before getting discouraged. And this is a problem for which Apostle Paul can advise a solution. Paul urges us to examine our hearts.

After examining our hearts, we become aware of conflicting forces that want the upper hand. Frustration often comes from things that individuals have no control over. Fleshly desires run into the brick walls of things that God controls. Our frustration in exercising free will (wanting our own way) won’t stop until we let God be God. Sigh....The sooner people decide to hand over the reigns of their lives to Jesus’ Lordship, the sooner they can find contentment.

Surrendering lives to Jesus’ control flips one’s attitude from restriction to freedom. Irritation to release. Spiritual maturity gifts one wisdom, peace and direction to life. This is Paul’s secret of contentment—and it’s a learning process. God relieves frustrations when people stop wanting to control everything, and simply follow His guidance. Following Jesus reduces life mistakes and failures from making poor decisions.

Brad and Jeremy walked back into the school together. “Why was your hand numb?” Brad asked.

“I was sitting on it, getting ready for recess, I guess.” Jeremy said.

When frustrations are not easily resolved, it’s best to stop trying to control things. Everything people cannot control is God’s responsibility, after all.

Take Home Nugget

Don’t feel badly if you’re still frustrated—either internally or externally. Even Paul admits having to learn to be content. Wanting to control everything—the world’s view—cannot bring contentment. Believers learn the secret by trusting the Lord, having confidence in His divine will for our lives—His plan of hope for your future (Jeremiah 28:11).

Some things you want to control are truly not yours to handle.
Let God be God, and watch contentment light your heart’s candle.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Secret of Contentment

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.