Morning Devotional 032626 Finding Contentment Starts With Christ

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

March 26, 2026

Philippians 4:10-13

10 I was very glad in the Lord because now at last you have shown concern for me again. (Of course you were always concerned but had no way to show it.) 11 I’m not saying this because I need anything, for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. 12 I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. 13 I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.

Good Morning! Rejoice in the Lord!

To be content is a wonderful feeling! Being content seems to be fleeting. When we are hungry, we eat a meal, and then for a bit we are content. A few hours later, we begin to feel hunger pangs again, so we eat and find contentment. This cycle repeats itself from our birth until our physical death. 

Paul is teaching us to strive for contentment despite our physical needs. How can we feel satisfied when we want (something/anything)? Our cravings go beyond our physical needs. We crave emotional things, like love, respect, and success, as well. So what does Paul mean by being content in any and every circumstance? After all, Paul is in prison when he writes these words. How can he be content? 

Paul is saying that true contentment begins and ends with our faith. If we fully believe in Christ, we have the foundation to see beyond current circumstances. Through Christ, we can endure our present challenges through the power of the one from whom our strength comes. Because of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, we have the hope, the promise of a new tomorrow, and eternal life. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for loving us. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: No matter where we find ourselves, God is with us!

Our present-day suffering pales in comparison to our future in God’s glory! Pastor Liz