We are all looking for a way to be satisfied in our lives. Most believe contentment will be experienced when “life goes our way,” or challenges and pressures are minimal. Yet there are many who outwardly seem to live the so called “good life,” but find themselves empty and restless, seeking for something else to bring satisfaction to their life. True contentment must come from within, not from without. In Philippians, Paul stated that he had learned through experience how to be content in all circumstances. In life’s school he experienced having lack, and he experienced having more than enough. How did he find satisfaction in both extremes? Because he believed that through the hard times and easy times, Christ was using every circumstance to teach and work out his destiny…..a life full of purpose and true joy that God planned for him . In this place of contentment, Paul was ready for anything, because Christ’s Spirit was infusing inner strength into him and making him self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. God has a plan for each of our lives-a good plan, even though at times we may struggle, He is working out our plan and purpose. It is never too late to discover and experience His plan. Believing and knowing that He has a plan and is working all things together will bring contentment into our lives. When we trust in His faithfulness, it empowers us to walk with Jesus and be content. He is ready to give inner strength and power for all we face, and make us self- sufficient in His sufficiency!

I have learned how to be content [satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted] in whatever state I am. I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]” (Philippians 4:11b-13).