The Contentment Of Whatever

We muse today from Philippians 4:11b-12 as the thanksgiving principle. In our text Paul is thankful for the contentment of his person. We found in 11a a contentment of want. Today  I see a contentment of whatever. Paul found himself content whatever the circumstance. If he was on a missionary journey, chained to Roman soldiers, preaching in a church, or preaching to a runaway slave, he was content. I find in our text it is a learned behavior in the words ‘I have learned’. The word learned means to be detached from the circumstances. Paul had learned to be abased. It is a term for a river that runs low. Paul said I have contentment when things run low. Paul said I know how to abound. It is a word for a river overflowing its banks. Paul found whatever the circumstance he was going to be content. How can it be? We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll. Paul believed he was fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love. Now that is the how of whatever.