What is the Secret to Contentment during Christmas (and beyond)?

For years, my Christmas wish list secretly included one item: a baby. I knew I would not find contentment under the tree. While I moved forward with the Christmas season’s festivities with a smile, I wondered when my dream would be fulfilled: ‘How much longer will I need to wait, Lord?’

God had an answer to my discontent in the Scriptures. The apostle Paul wrote that there is a path to negate growing dissatisfaction:

“…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; I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

As we look forward to celebrating the anniversary of Jesus Christ’s birth, how can we embrace these words about contentment and overcome feeling deprived as we experience infertility? Let’s chat about it.

Where can we find a more specific direction?

As I closely examined Philippians 4:12-13 and the surrounding verses 6-19, I found elements that gave this apostle deep satisfaction in the face of adversity—no matter what.

Keep in mind that Paul’s journey continued to be life-threatening. He had been beaten with rods, stoned, experienced extreme hunger, and been shipwrecked. Under house arrest, he was a prisoner of Rome and had lost his freedom. He lived on bare necessities; his future was questionable. Yet, he learned contentment.

Five important factors will fill us with contentment.

I appreciate how American pastor and author John MacArthur succinctly boiled down Paul’s words in his three-part series on The Secret of Contentment. You can listen to his broadcast or read the transcripts. Here’s a summary of MacArthur’s teaching—think about substituting your name every time it says “Paul”:

1. Contentment begins with believing in God’s providence. Paul was fully confident that God was in charge. God would orchestrate all of the diverse elements of this apostle’s life according to His purposes and Paul’s good.
2. Contentment involves being satisfied with very little. Knowing God controlled his life, Paul trusted God would provide him with everything he needed—no more, no less.
3. Contentment means living independently from circumstances. Paul’s satisfaction was not measured by what he did or didn’t have or by positive or negative circumstances. His trust in God’s promises and provision allowed Paul to rejoice and have peace regardless of his situation.
4. Contentment results from recognizing that God can infuse us with His divine power. Paul knew he was linked to God’s power and strength—he could endure all things and be strong.

As pastor MacArthur says, “We are not really self-sufficient; we are Christ-sufficient…contentment comes to the believer when he has exhausted his human resources…when you have no human strength.” You turn to God to resolve the situation, then watch His power move.

The fifth factor of contentment may come as a surprise.

5. Contentment is experienced when we cease to be concerned about ourselves and focus our concern on others. When the humble Philippian people provided supplies to the imprisoned Paul, his response was to acknowledge that “it was good of you to share in my troubles” (Philippians 4:14). He said they had done a noble thing for him:

“…an acceptable sacrificial gift pleasing to God.  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus…” Philippians 4:19

Paul’s contentment came from seeing these people respond with their hearts and unselfishly support him. He knew God would bless them.

With Christmas upon us, these five aspects of contentment remind us to cast aside our self-centered agendas and pursue the gift of a content spirit in Him.

You can pray now for the God of the Holy Bible to bless you with contentment.

Lord Jesus, I look forward to honoring Your humble entrance to earth this Christmas. Thank You for Your presence, which revealed God’s character through You, His Son, demonstrated His healing power, and promised us eternal life with You in heaven. 

Regardless of my circumstances, I want to find peace in whatever You allow me to have. Help me grow in faith and completely trust what You have planned for my life. I surrender my agenda for having children to You. Help me reject self-pity. Redirect my eyes off my troubles. Prompt me to spend more time with You, meditating on Your Words in the Bible, and getting to know You better. 

Give me the strength to face each day and anticipate Your purpose for my life. I want to practice Your character. Allow Your spirit of contentment to grow in me and reflect a sweet, inward quiet with a heart that submits to Your will and serves those around me. Show me how to use the abundant provisions You have given me to bless others who need support. I rejoice in who You are and what You do for me! Amen.