Devotionals for the Heart: How to learn to be content in all circumstances

Learning Contentment
A devotional by Jennifer Reese

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

—Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

Contentment. A word often used in seasons or areas of life that are going well, and a word that often feels too far to reach and relate to in seasons of hardship or less than ideal situations. In your current season or set of circumstances would you be able to truly say that you are content?

As we read the Apostle Paul’s words in this passage, something that is important to recognize is that he states, “for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Did you catch that? Paul said he had to learn how to be content in every situation, and that through this learning he discovered he can do all things through Jesus Christ who is his strength.

This truth is encouraging and empowering. It shows the reality that in our human nature, we are not naturally prone to contentment. For example: When we are in hard seasons, we more often beg the Lord to take us out of them, to change the circumstances, and to get quickly to the better days ahead. We want good things. We want easy situations. We want to be in good health and have good relationships with every family member, coworker, and friend. We naturally desire the comforts, joys, and blessings in this life, while running away from and trying to avoid anything less than our ideals.

Paul, even though he was a great apostle and example of faithfulness, faced many highs and lows while on this earth, just like all of us do. Not a single one of us—those who believe in God and those who don’t—are exempt from receiving blessings, gifts, and contentment. Just like none of us are exempt from experiencing hardship, pain, and discontentment. The reality is that sin has placed us in a fallen and broken world, full of deep pain and suffering. However, because of the goodness and graciousness of God, we all experience the beauty of common grace, which are things such as joy, provision, love, et cetera. Each of us often experience the effects of both realities simultaneously: the hardships from the fallen world and the blessings of common grace. But people who believe in Jesus Christ can hold fast to the true hope and assurance that this life is not the end nor will our hardships last forever.

However, it is important to recognize that only in Christ and through Christ can we learn to have true contentment. It is only in Christ and through Christ we can find the strength we need to persevere through every single circumstance we face, good or bad. Seasons come and go, health improves and declines, work brings about promotions and job losses, et cetera. But at the end of the day, our Lord remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We have eternal hope (1 Peter 1:3-6). We have eternal provision (Psalm 23:1). We have eternal contentment and joy (Psalm 16:11). We have eternal life (John 10:28). Eternal, everlasting, forevermore. Completely independent of circumstances and completely dependent on salvation and life in Christ alone. We can stand on this Biblical truth in every circumstance, in seasons of plenty and hunger, in abundance and in need.

We must learn to be content with Christ and Christ alone. Although it will be a lesson we are learning for all of life until we reach glory in Heaven, let us take heart and seek to learn contentment in Christ daily while living on this earth. So, in seasons where hunger, need, and hardship is our reality, may we learn to rejoice in the truth of the Gospel. We have been chosen, forgiven, and saved in Christ. This earth is not our home. When we arrive in Heaven, there will be with no more tears, pain, or death. Christ is our hope and strength to keep pressing on and fighting the good fight of faith. Likewise, in seasons where plenty, abundance, and clear blessings are our reality, may we rejoice and cling to the truth that our strength, hope, and contentment still only come from Christ alone.

Let’s circle back to the original question: In your current season or set of circumstances would you be able to truly say that you are content? If your answer is yes, then praise the Lord! Reflect and write down the various ways in which you are grateful for all He is doing in your life right now. Acknowledge the blessings of salvation (John 3:16) along with the blessings of provision that God has given you.

If your answer to the question is no, then, I still say praise the Lord! True contentment cannot be found in anything other than Christ. It is in His mercy and kindness that He does not allow us to find true contentment in the fleeting and everchanging circumstances and realities we face here on earth. This causes us to learn how to look to Him for true contentment. This shows us our need for Christ. This also teaches us to rejoice in what we do have rather than what we do not. Spend some time reflecting on all the ways the Lord has provided you with an abundance of blessings in Christ, such as the gifts of faith, salvation, freedom from sin, eternal life, peace, hope, and strength. Furthermore, consider where you see Christ’s provision, goodness, and faithfulness in your life. A heart of gratitude is one of the best cures for a heart of despair and discontentment, even when the hard circumstances of our lives are nowhere close to changing or getting better from our perspective.

No matter where you find yourself today, I pray you would be willing to learn to find contentment in Christ alone, which only comes by God’s grace, strength, provision, and Truth. Praise God for all He has done, is doing, and will do in your life, all for your good and His glory!

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for being my strength and my faithful sustainer through every season. Thank You for the opportunity to learn contentment in every season, the true contentment that can only come through Christ alone. Thank You that I can experience true hope, peace, joy, and strength as I look to You for help. I ask for Your help today, Oh Lord. Please teach me how to find contentment in knowing You and clinging to Your truth. May my heart trust Your good intentions, perfect wisdom, and sufficient provision so that I may truly learn contentment. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “In Christ Alone” by the Keith & Kristyn Getty and CityAlight. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Knowing You, Jesus” by Graham Kendrick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “The Same” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “There Will Be A Day” by Jeremy Camp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock” by Travis Cottrell. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jennifer Reese obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies, and certifications in Biblical Counseling. 

Her educational training has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to work with various populations—such as foster care and adoption, refugee women, homeless, under-resourced youth, international students, and local churches. It has been through these experiences that she has seen a need for women of all ages to understand their true identity as a child of God in order to experience the promised abundant life and freedom.

By working as a Biblical Counselor and Coach, Jennifer focuses on helping women and teen girls discover who God is and to know their true identity in Jesus Christ. Through her professional work and ministry, she helps people learn how to carry out their specific purpose and calling in building God’s Kingdom that is not of this world.

On a personal note, Jennifer recently got married on May 24, 2025. The day was filled with abundant joy and peace, bringing glory to the Lord and wonderful fellowship with their closest friends and family. After many years of praying and waiting for this gift, Jennifer is excited to step into this new season and ministry of being a wife and hopefully, one day soon, a mom.

~*~
Connect with Jennifer:
Website: www.rootedandfixed.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rootedandfixed
Email address: rootedandfixed@gmail.com