Content prisoner

“Satan loves to fish in the troubled waters of a discontent heart.” -Thomas Watson

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul writes one of the most quoted verses to this day:  (Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” The verse is often quoted alone and out of its true context.

Paul, a prisoner at the time of writing this letter, wasn’t talking about being able to land the big job, get the big raise, ect…he was explaining his own contentment. Paul says he learned to be content in all situations, bad or good, times of hungar and plenty, times of abundance and need. Paul knew he could face all situations with a content heart, a peaceful heart, a satisfied heart, because his strength rested in and was Christ.

The one who is never satisfied or often dissatisfied leaves the door wide open for Satan to bring in many devices to disrupt life.

The troubled waters of a discontent heart can and usually will bring about covetousness, causing you to want and desire what someone else has. It can also cause a great deal of jealousy and pride. It can lead to strife with others, hurtful words and harmful actions. The desire to have can eventually rule your life and become an idol.

We can become wrapped up in our own situation and become so discontent that we neglect our family and friends. We can become so self absorbed that we ultimately neglect God and fail to honor and worship Him as He commands.

So let’s take lessons from Paul’s letter and Rejoice because Christ strengthens us! Do not be anxious, because Christ strengthens us! Stay in prayer with a thankful heart because Christ strengthens us! If we are in need or have much, if we live free or under persecution, we must strive to be content. Do not give Satan opportunity to fish the troubled waters of a discontent heart. In every situation we can have full assurance that the strength we need doesn’t come from within us, it comes from Christ. And in Christ we have all we need and He gives freely.

I will leave you with one other quote that fits this well, “Happiness does not depend on outward circumstances, but on the state of the heart.” ― J.C. Ryle