The Secret to Enough: Finding True Contentment
Pastor Victoria Sowell
In a culture driven by achievement and comparison, the pursuit of contentment can feel elusive. We often fall into the trap of believing that if we perfect our routines, reach our goals, or acquire more, we’ll finally feel satisfied. But what if contentment isn’t about achieving a feeling but embracing a belief—a belief that transforms how we live? Click the link above for the full message.
Contentment, at its core, isn’t a fleeting emotion or something we can manufacture. It’s a deep-seated trust that Jesus is enough to meet our every need, no matter the circumstance. This belief doesn’t just impact how we feel—it shapes how we live and interact with the world around us.
Let’s explore the secret to finding true contentment and why it’s not tied to circumstances, routines, or even our best efforts.
Contentment is Not a Feeling
It’s easy to think of contentment as something you feel when life is going well. But here’s the truth: feelings are unreliable. We can’t base our peace on feelings alone because they fluctuate with our circumstances. Instead, contentment is a belief that God is sufficient, and this belief has the power to anchor us even when life feels chaotic.
The apostle Paul captured this idea beautifully in Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV):
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Paul’s words remind us that contentment isn’t automatic; it’s learned. It’s not about suppressing our emotions but about aligning them with the unshakable truth of God’s sufficiency.
Strength for the Hard Things
Philippians 4:13 is often quoted as a verse of empowerment, but its deeper meaning is found in the context of contentment. Paul isn’t saying we can do anything we want; he’s saying that with Christ’s strength, we can endure and find satisfaction in any situation.
Strength is required because learning to be content isn’t easy. It’s a process of trusting God when we feel like we lack or when life doesn’t meet our expectations. True contentment requires dependence on Christ for the strength to see beyond our circumstances.
What Contentment Really Means
When Paul speaks about being content, he uses two Greek words that expand our understanding.
αὐτάρκης (autarkes): This word means “sufficient” or “complete.” Paul is saying that he has learned to feel whole, not because of his circumstances but because of Christ.
χορτάζεσθαι (chortazo): This word means “to be full” or “to live within limits.” It reflects the idea of being satisfied with what God has given, trusting that His portion is enough.
These words remind us that contentment isn’t about abundance or scarcity. It’s about trusting God’s provision and boundaries for our lives.
Don’t Despise Your Portion
It’s human nature to compare our lives to others, wondering if what we’ve been given is enough. But comparison blinds us to the blessings of our own portion.
In Psalm 16:5-6 (NIV), David writes:
"Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."
David recognizes that the boundaries God set for him are good, and he chooses to trust that his inheritance is delightful. We can do the same by embracing the unique limits and blessings God has placed in our lives.
Daily Bread and Trust
In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread.” This prayer is a reminder to trust God for today’s needs instead of worrying about tomorrow.
Paul echoes this idea in Philippians 4, encouraging us to live satisfied with what God provides each day. Whether we feel like we’re living in abundance or scraping by, we can trust that His portion is enough.
The Paradox of Both/And
Life is rarely simple. It’s often a mix of good and bad, joy and sorrow. Contentment doesn’t mean denying the difficulties or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it’s about embracing the tension of both/and—acknowledging the challenges while trusting that God is at work.
As Paul demonstrates, we can live in this paradox by holding onto the belief that Jesus is enough. He gives us the strength to navigate the complexity of life with peace and gratitude.
Contentment as Worship
Gratitude and contentment are acts of worship. When we choose to thank God for what we have, even when it feels small, we honor Him. This attitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given.
C.S. Lewis said it well: “He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.” True satisfaction comes from God alone, not from what we accumulate or achieve.
Practical Steps Toward Contentment
Here are a few ways to cultivate contentment in your daily life:
Practice gratitude: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
Limit comparison: Spend less time focusing on others’ lives and more time appreciating your own.
Trust God’s timing: Believe that His provision is enough for today.
Pray for strength: Ask God to help you trust Him in both abundance and need.
Further Reading
“The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” by Jeremiah Burroughs
“Finding God’s Sufficiency in Our Weakness” by Ligonier Ministries
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, Gratitude in Every Season, on YouTube.
Looking for resources? Visit our resources page.