4 Elements of Contentment in Christ

By Melissa McLaughlin

My stomach lurched as I listened. My friend, Cindy, had called with an update. Her voice trembled. She faltered, “The doctors discovered I have stage 4 cancer. I am stunned. I had no red flags. No early symptoms.”

Hot tears streamed down my cheeks. I choked out the few words I could come up with. “Cindy, I am so sorry. I’ll pray for you, your husband, and the kids.”

Through sobs and tears, we stuttered a few Scriptures to comfort each other. “The Lord is with us always.”

After Cindy caught her breath, she spoke the most profound, faith-filled words I have ever heard.

“Here’s how I see it. Either way, I win. Either God heals me and I have more time here on earth with my family. Or God takes me home and I get to be with Jesus sooner. Either way, it’s a win-win.”

My eyes are welling up as I type these words. I remember her beautiful face, quivering yet triumphant voice, and shining faith.

Cindy lived longer than expected and praised God whether she was in the hospital or sick at home on the couch. I have never known anyone who glorified Christ with such unwavering strength through their suffering.

When I read Philippians 4:12-13, I think of Cindy.

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV – 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.

Though Christians aspire to live out these verses, this sounds impossible.

How can we be content in any situation? How can we go hungry, go through cancer or other illnesses, or go without our basic needs and still be content?

This is a hard teaching. And one we’d rather not have to endure. But there is a deeper connection to Christ if we can reach for it. Not with human strength, but with the Holy Spirit.

To understand, let’s take a closer look at contentment. Several attitudes impact contentment.

Here are 4 elements of contentment in Christ

1.Faith – Contentment begins with faith. When our journey grows rocky, rough terrain trips our feet, and pitfalls bruise our souls. With battered hearts, we ask, “Is God good? Is God powerful? Does He love me? Why is He allowing heartache or difficulties?”

One perspective that helps me during distressing times is to look at Jesus. He suffered for my sins. Then He arose in victory. So, I can confidently declare, “God is good. God is powerful over sin, death, the devil, and everything. And He loves me.”

This helps me reframe my thinking. If God allows hardship, He brings eternal good through it.

John 10:11 (ESV) – I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

2.Trust – Contentment is maintained through trusting God. Trusting His sovereignty, timing, and divine agenda. God’s plan for my life will not match His plan for your life. And all will face trials. Still, we know that Jesus loves us and wants our eternal best.

Trusting also includes believing God’s Word. He works all things together for good for those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28-29).

This is not a fatalistic mindset. Rather, we actively choose to seek God, believe His Word, and surrender to His greater plan for heavenly blessings.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

3.Gratitude – Contentment flourishes with gratitude. When we fix our eyes on Jesus and recall the extravagant mercies of the cross, gratitude overflows like a gushing waterfall. Earthly sorrows and suffering cannot compare to our inheritance in Christ!

Jesus brings contentment. He is enough!

Philippians 3:8 (NIV) – I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

4.Humility – Contentment is undergirded by humility. God is God and we are not.

When we demand an explanation from God for our suffering, we elevate ourselves to be God’s equal. Or even above God. Acting as judges, we put God on trial.

We strut about as if nothing short of a full explanation from God is acceptable. (Lord, forgive me. I know this all too well.)

“How slow we are to recognize in these subtle mental temptations the echoes of the serpent of Eden: ‘Express your dissatisfaction with God’s ways, God’s words, God’s provision. Take what He has forbidden. He does not really love you, so take it! And take it now while you have the chance!‘

…It has often been said that the first sin was… pride. But it was more complex than that; it included discontentment.” (Quote by Sinclair Ferguson from Learning Contentment.)

O Lord, help us avoid obsessing over things you did not give us or things you chose not to explain (Psalm 131:1).

Admitting and accepting our human limitations unlocks the cage of self-exaltation. We release our puny grip from things only God can hold.

Instead, we place ourselves in God’s Almighty hands. We willingly offer our lives for His purposes. Our primary aim is to be available and useful to God. Soft clay in the Potter’s hands.

When we live in total abandon to Christ, we are truly free.

This is contentment.

What helps you find contentment in Christ? Do you know anyone like Cindy?

1 Timothy 6:6-7 – But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Hebrews 13:5 NIV – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Other posts you may enjoy:

Suffering for Christ

Holding On To God’s Love Through the Pain

Philippians: 6 Ways to Thank God in Tough Times