“I’m not saying this because I need anything, for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance”
(Philippians 4:11, CEB).

     Discontent is what I was given. My wife had called me while babysitting our infant grandson. I didn’t know exactly the nature of his complaint, yet Benji communicated in very clear terms his dissatisfaction with the present state of affairs.
     Few would fault a seven-month-old for throwing a tantrum. Crying is a baby’s only way of saying, “Something’s wrong here and I need someone to make things right.” Contentment will only come about only when the child’s need is met.

     Although not a child, no one could fault Paul were he to have complained about the circumstances in which he found himself. Paul was in jail. He had done nothing to deserve such a punishment. Yet Paul was alone, hungry, and in chains.

     Ironically, Paul claimed that he was content with his present situation. Don’t misunderstand. I am certain that Paul did not like being in prison. However, neither did Paul merely tolerate his current limitations.

     In Greek, the word for contentment means that one is facing a condition of life wherein no aid or support is needed aside from any provisions God has already granted. Though his activities were restricted by a jail cell, Paul believed that God had given him everything he needed to adapt to and overcome his constraints.

     My own opinion is that a younger, less mature Paul may have been frustrated by the limitations he faced. Paul was a go getter. Paul had feverishly preached in dozens of major cities throughout the Roman Empire. In the early years of his ministry, it’s highly likely that being stuck in prison would have led to Paul’s growing sense of discontent.

     However, Paul learned that he could reach more people with the gospel by writing and sending letters. In fact, Paul covered more square feet through the mail system than he ever could have traveled on foot. Though imprisoned, God had found a way for Paul to flourish.

     I think this is a good message for those persons who may feel stuck in their current situations. Perhaps you feel trapped in a marriage that has brought you much unhappiness in the past several years. Maybe you find yourself confined to a body that has contracted a life-altering illness. Or your limited ability to manage the simple activities of daily living has led you to leave your home and downsize to multi-unit housing.

     There is nothing about these kinds of circumstances that is good. Yet rather than wallow in discontent, Paul discovered that God had given him the power he needed to overcome and conquer the stockades that imprisoned him. Despite the  adversity he faced, Paul grew content in the knowledge that God’s grace was greater than anything that threatened to confine him.

     Though Paul likely never saw the light of day outside of a prison cell, his spirit was set free to cry out, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” So, can you.