Philippians 4:11-13  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I HAVE LEARNED, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth me.  [emphasis mine – MSD]

The Apostle Paul had learned to be content.

That is a major lesson.

It is a rare quality.

One of the Puritan writers called it the “RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT”

To be content means to be thankful.

A contented Christian is a thankful Christian.

You might say, “you don’t know what I’m going through!”

I remind you…it could be worse!

You could be without Christ and without hope!

God has placed us or allowed everyone of us to be where we are in this life.

“You have lost much, you say, but you have been a gainer by your loss, and where you are today you are by eternal mercy and covenant grace, and you could not well be in a better position than God has put you in. Goodness and mercy have followed you all the days of your life up till now, and you are obliged to confess it, and to say:–

“STREAMS OF MERCY NEVER CEASING,
CALL FOR SONGS OF LOUDEST PRAISE.” – C. H.Spurgeon {1834-1892}