“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
The Comparison
Paul names learned here, worth examining directly, not natural temperament but something genuinely acquired over time, worth holding as this second movement’s own needed hope, contentment presented not as a trait you either have or permanently lack, but this described, actually learnable skill.
This second movement, turning from this book’s honest naming of comparison toward the actual, practiced work of contentment, opens with this crucial claim. Whatever comparison this whole first movement has honestly explored, contentment remains genuinely, actually learnable, worth trusting as available to you too.
Notice in whatsoever state, comprehensive language, worth holding as needed correction against however much your own contentment has felt conditional, dependent on reaching some specific, improved circumstance first, rather than this verse’s own claim, learnable regardless of whatever state currently, actually exists.
Consider today what learning contentment, deliberately, practically, might actually require of you, not waiting for circumstances to first improve, but this described, ongoing learning process, worth beginning today as this movement’s own actual, practical starting point.
Choose Contentment
- Consider contentment as genuinely learnable, not a fixed trait you either have or permanently lack.
- Notice whether your own contentment has felt conditional on circumstances first improving.
- Take one deliberate step today toward learning contentment in your own current, actual state.
Prayer
Lord, teach me, like Paul, to be content in whatsoever state I am. Let this be genuine, ongoing learning, not waiting for my own circumstances to first improve. Amen.
Carry this today
Contentment is genuinely learnable, not a fixed trait, regardless of current circumstances.