Thursday evening the phone rang.

“Is R. there?”

“No,” I chuckled, “he’s in prison.”

“What?” a startled voice replied.

I always have fun with these calls—‘cause it’s true. On various Thursday nights my husband R. goes to a nearby correctional facility to teach a non-denominational Bible study.

Later that evening R. excitedly told me of the wonderful fellowship the guys had that night, and how D.—an inmate with great musical talent—played guitar and led some vibrant singing. As the men’s voices rose in glorious praise to God, R. glanced out the open window to the courtyard below and caught two corrections officers looking up.

D., it turns out, is in for life. But somehow he’s learning to be content with his circumstances, using his talents to bless others and his faith to make a difference.

The apostle Paul was also in prison when he wrote the New Testament epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Here he shares with the church at Philippi:

“How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:10-13)

It’s believed this was written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment in AD 59-61. This context makes it all the more significant that Paul learned to be content with what he had.

How?

By understanding it is “Christ who gives me strength.”

Living in the Lord’s presence is how Paul gained this perspective. So much so, that he concludes this section by saying:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Many people commonly assume that contentment and happiness are found in our circumstances—our wealth, health, job, or relationships.

God says differently.

Although He doesn’t always change our circumstances (as with inmate D. and Paul in prison)—as we seek and draw near to Him, He will change us . . .

. . . infusing us with His strength . . . His peace . . . His presence . . .

Thereby, like the great apostle Paul, we too can learn the secret of finding contentment in any circumstance.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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