Read Philippians 4:6-13 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Contentment is a rare gem. They are rare gems, aren’t they? The enemy loves to see us discontented. Why? The lives of contented Christians testify that Christ can deliver what the gods of this world can’t. Wherever contentment exists, a jewel thief lurks nearby. Philippians 4 identifies five thieves of contentment:

1. Pettiness. Two women who worked with Paul in the ministry had one little problem: they couldn’t get along. “I entreat Euodia and… Syntyche to agree in the Lord” (v.2-3). Pettiness sours a servant’s heart and steals contentment.
2. Anxiety. Nothing robs us of contentment more than anxiety. How do we turn off the valve that pumps anxiety into our souls?
3. Destructive thinking. Our human natures tend toward negative and destructive thinking, a thief that takes diligence to overcome. Worthy thought patterns are a key to contentment.
4. Resistance to learning. Paul had “learned” to be content in all circumstances (v.11). No one is born with contentment. We learn it. Paul learned from experience that God is faithful. There is no circumstance we can meet that He can’t handle.
5. Independence. Finally, refusing to rely on God robs us of contentment. Through countless ups and downs, Paul learned he could do everything God called him to do, but only through Christ who strengthened him (v.13). God will meet our needs. We can’t do it on our own.

Contentment is a rare gem. Don’t let it be taken from you.
– Beth Moore –

Responding - What thief of contentment do I battle with? Why can’t I find contentment on my own?
Following - Through Christ, we can be content in any situation.

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