Reflections: The riches of contentment

Walk into any faith-based retail environment, and you’re sure to see a coffee mug or wall décor featuring, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NIV). That verse inspired one of my favorite podcasts, Jennifer Rothschild’s “4:13 Podcast,” where Jennifer is careful to explain that when reading Philippians 4:13, it’s important to remember that context is everything. 

The more I reflect on that verse, the more I realize the context is contentment. Just prior to the famous verse, the Apostle Paul explains that his circumstances have included times of having much, times of having little, and even times of persecution, but that he has learned to be content because of God’s strength. 

As with many biblical principles, my dad was a good example when it comes to finding true riches in contentment. Raised by a poor but stern father in the rural Ozarks, Dad knew long hours of hard work for barely enough to eat, which taught him to be sincerely thankful for a good job in the aircraft industry following World War II, which provided well for our family for many years. 

Dad’s military service included two major battles in the South Pacific during World War II and then the occupation/reorganization of Japan; that experience taught him to be thankful for his country and our freedom. The death of my mother, and later Dad’s 45-year struggle with dystonia, led to trust in God’s sovereignty and the hope of ultimate healing in heaven. Regardless of his own circumstances, Dad was available to lead a prayer group, preach at the county jail, or share garden produce with a neighbor; and I’ve met people who were impacted in each of those situations by his quiet spirit of contentment. 

Arriving at his house one hot summer afternoon with my son, I asked Dad the standard “How are you doing today?” His response: “Just sittin’ here thankin’ the good Lord for a good book and this fan.” Luke has never forgotten that response, and he honors his grandpa by being one of the most thankful and content young men I know. 

Paul’s second epistle to Timothy was written from Rome’s Mamertine Dungeon where he awaited a martyr’s death, yet he was content in knowing he had “fought a good fight . . . finished my course . . . kept the faith” (4:7, KJV). 

While on vacation, we toured the Vanderbilt mansion, The Breakers. Surrounded by every visible symbol of opulence, from original art masterpieces to marble bathrooms in bedroom suites larger than my entire house, it was surprising to read quotes from people who knew the family, stressing their reliance on their faith. They used their wealth to entertain and bless others; yet it did not protect them from family tragedy, including the early death of several of their children. A quote from one of their surviving daughters emphasized that even during those times of loss, her parents still trusted God. 

Sometimes it’s tempting to compare my circumstances to other people’s “highlight reels” on social media, or to succumb to the appeal of constant advertising, but I pray I’ll always allow my time in God’s Word, the treasures from my dad’s Bible study notes, and time spent enjoying nature and Christian community, to remind me of the riches of true contentment.