For a few years, my dad’s full-time job was investing in the stock market. When an investment paid off, he was ecstatic. When he lost, which was frequently, he was depressed and moody for days.

His happiness was tied directly to his success in the stock market.

I understand. I felt the same way as a sales manager. When I closed a big sale, I did a happy dance. When a sale fell apart, I was distraught, second-guessing myself for days.

Like dad, my happiness was directly tied to my success.

That’s the problem with happiness. It’s tied to our emotions. Happiness is the high we experience at a moment in time, that all too often fades when circumstances change.

So, we chase that which gives us happiness because we are addicted to that emotional high, even though we know a crash is coming.

What Is Better Than Happiness?

Maybe instead of trying to chase feelings of happiness, we should learn to be content!

The apostle Paul certainly understood what it means to be content. In a short passage, he wrote to the Philippians he explained two important truths about contentment.

¹¹ …for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11b-12 (NIV).

1) Contentment is not about what happens to me. Paul said he learned to be content in every situation; regardless of the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11).

2) Contentment is not about what I have. Paul said he learned to be content with whatever he had; whether he was in need or had plenty (Philippians 4:12).

Contentment is not situational. It is not based on a short-term high from making a killing in the stock market or crushing a big sale. It is not based on what I have or about what happens to me.

The Key to Contentment

Paul alluded to an important aspect of contentment in this passage. Contentment is a choice! Paul said he learned to be content in every situation, and he learned to be content with whatever he had.

Paul recognized it was not his natural state to be content, but that he had to learn to be content.

We are no different. We must also learn to be content. We must choose contentment.

How Can We Be Content?

We can’t. Not on our own power anyway.

But Paul goes on to tell us the secret of being content in every situation, and that is to trust in the power of God. He said, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Paul says he can be content in every situation because of God’s power. God’s power, not ours, gives us the strength we need to be content in every situation.

Happiness is nice, but it is short-lived. Happiness is situational. If something bad happens, and it will, happiness flies out the window. If your happiness is based on what you have, you will never have enough.

So, learn to be content in every situation and know that God will give you the strength you need when you trust in Him!

Join the Conversation

As always, questions and comments are welcome. Have you chased happiness and found it not to be all you hoped? Have you learned to be content?

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Category: Personal Development | Self Discipline