Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

As a believer, your faith is not of this world, but of the world to come. Therefore, it doesn’t pay to get too wrapped up in what happens here. Whether we abound in worldly blessings, or are abased in godly humility, we should be content. If the Lord has chosen to give us riches, then we are to remember that they come from him, and seek the purpose for which he’s given them. If we are experiencing hard times, we should know that we’re going through this to strengthen our faith, or to give God an opportunity to show his power. In all things, remember to give God the glory.

If we keep our mind on God and the future, nothing on Earth can move us. If you know that your home is in heaven, and anything else is temporary, you can be content in any circumstance.

Being content is the opposite of suffering. A lot of people will argue this point, but suffering is a choice. You may not have a choice as to whether your broken arm hurts, but you can choose to either let it get you down and lay around the house, or you can choose to fight that natural inclination, go out and enjoy life. If you can do this, you’ll feel better, and medical evidence also proves, you’ll heal faster and be more healthy in general.

To be content is also a choice. It doesn’t matter how much you have in this world. If you’re not content, it won’t make you happy. Many people seem to have everything. Inside they are filled with unrest, greed, and unhappiness. They tell themselves “If I can just get this one more thing, I’ll be happy”, but they’re fooling themselves. Happiness doesn’t come from having what you want, but from being content with what you have. Otherwise, you just move on to the next thing you want on a never-ending treadmill.

When God comes into your life in the form of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, you are given a clean slate. You can make new choices, and end the end, come out with a much better result. By focusing on God and what lies ahead, you can shake off the setbacks and overcome the obstacles.