I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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. Philippians 4:11-12
“Happiness is determined by external factors. As a result, happiness is one of the shallowest, most fleeting, fleshy emotions a human can experience. For someone to be “happy” something has “to happen.” When my investment portfolio increases, I feel happy. When my flight departs on time, I feel happy. When my favorite soccer team wins, I feel happy. But how do I feel when the opposite happens, as it invariably does? Fearful? Stressed? Insecure? Miserable?
Welcome to life’s emotional roller coaster, full of temporary happy “ups” and anxiety-producing “downs,” fear-inducing twists and terrifying turns. This is precisely where most people are living—because they’re fixated on striving to feel happy. Contentment is not dependent on happiness.
So, what is the secret to a “happy” life that isn’t dependent on circumstances? It’s contentment. Paul shares the secret in Philippians 4:11-12. Paul learned to be content regardless of his circumstances. That’s quite an accomplishment. Take a moment and ask yourself, “Do I know anyone who always seems content?”
Paul found contentment through his relationship with Jesus. No matter what happened around him—imprisonment, threats to his life, poverty — he knew Jesus was with him. Paul trusted Jesus. This produced a deep joy, a contentment that not only flowed from the inside out, but swamped whatever negative external factors Paul faced…
Like Paul, I’ve learned that abiding joy flows from my relationship with Jesus, where I listen to what he tells me to do and then I do it in obedience. No matter the circumstances, God can grant us joy.”
Gisle Sorli in “Happiness Is Not the Goal: Contentment Is” in Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics blog post dated 27 June 2017.
Last week I bumped into the chairperson of Torch Trinity on campus. She asked me how my class was going. Of course I told her how much I love their passion for God. Then she asked what hotel I was staying in (I think she wanted to be sure I was receiving good hospitality). I replied that I was in one of the visiting professor guest rooms (they are humble but very adequate). She insisted I consider a hotel.
I told her that it gives me an opportunity to model contentment for my students. And then, with wit that exceeded my normal speed, I added, “Best part: there’s no traffic!” She laughed. It takes me only two minutes to walk from my guest room on the third floor to class room on the second floor. It can take 30 minutes to go two miles in the Gangnam region of Seoul. Think: NYC.
What about you? Do you know anyone who always seems content? What would people say about you? I am learning, with Sorli, that the secret is found in Jesus. Only when we grasp that we have everything we have ever needed and will ever need in our relationship with Jesus, do we have joy that transcends circumstances. And this joy-filled contentment is the bedrock of a generous life.