The Joy Of Learning Contentment Series

The key to adapting is trusting God. A verse in Romans tells us:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

God will see to it that not only the good stuff in our lives are used to His glory – but the bad stuff too. This fact is crucial to learning to adjust. If you don’t adjust you’ll break down or burn out.

Circumstances demand that we adapt to them.

3. Learn To Draw On Christ’s POWER

Instead of depending on your own strength and effort – we must learn to draw on Christ’s power. Listen to what Paul says in verse thirteen:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Go ahead and circle the word “all” in that verse. Can you handle the kids tearing the place apart? Can you handle loosing your job? Can you handle loosing tons of money on you 401K? Can you handle the relationship when it seems to be falling apart?

Paul says, “In Christ’s strength – I can handle it all.” His power to handle it all was not his own strength. He had learned to rely on God’s strength. He did not sit around and mope – he had learned how to cope. God has more power than we can even imagine – and He is willing to strengthen you.

The Bible in Basic English translates the verse this way:

“I am able to do all things through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (BBE)

The Message Bible says it this way:

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” Philippians 4:13 (MSG)

God is in the life change business and what you to become stronger through His power.

Where do you need strength? Do you need to get control of your time? – Your mouth? – Your temper? – Your weight? – A bad habit? Paul says, “Through Christ’s strength – I can master anything with Christ’s help.”

Are you facing a big problem in life? God wants to give you the strength to make it through. Learning to be content in life comes from the confidence that God will see you through. That He will give you the power to meet each and every situation and circumstance head on. Contentment involves confidence – confidence – not in your own power – but learning to rely on God’s power. Let’s look at verse thirteen again:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

The Greek word for "strength" is the word from which we get the word "dynamite". Paul is saying, “Jesus Christ is the dynamite in my life. He is the one who gives me continuous energy. He is the one who gives me energy. He is the one who gives me power. I rely on His power not my own. His power will never run out. I am confident that I can cope – because I rest in the hope of Jesus Christ.”

Let’s move on to point four:

4. Learn To Trust GOD

This point is key in learning to be successful in learning contentment.

Look at what Paul says in verse nineteen:

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)