The book of Philippians has given hope to Christians for two thousand years. The apostle Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison awaiting a hearing before Caesar. Yet the letter does not speak of sorrow and misfortune, but of joy and hope. What allowed Paul to have this amazing frame of mind under these trying circumstances? He had a great faith and devotion to God, which are found in every chapter. However, at the end of the letter, Paul makes this statement: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phil. 4:11).

The word content is translated from a Greek word that means to be self-sufficient. The word refers to the quality of possessing the strength needed to survive the situation in which we find ourselves. Paul says that he learned to be content. Contentment does not come naturally to most people. It is something that can and must be learned if we are going to weather the storms of life with our faith intact.

Paul went on to say, "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need" (v. 12). We marvel when we think of the things Paul was willing to endure for the cause of Christ. Take a moment to read 2 Corinthians 11:22-28. Paul suffered shipwreck, was exposed to the elements, and suffered want of food. He also endured beatings, imprisonment, and even the threat of death itself. This burden that he bore becomes even more impressive when we learn he did so with contentment.

You and I have been called upon to endure a disruption to our daily routine. We don't like the idea of being under a "stay at home" order. We don't like the fact that we can't eat in restaurants, find store shelves stocked with toilet paper, go to the gym, get our hair and nails done, or go to the movies. We especially don't like the fact that we can't assemble to worship. We don't like it, but we can be content with these temporary restrictions and we can bear this burden with grace. The apostle Paul shows us how.

Earlier in the letter, he told the Philippians, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:14-15).

Remember, be a light to those around you. The storm will be over soon.