Millions seek contentment.

Paul had found it.

Matthew Henry says: “The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favorable circumstances. Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always.”

Nor is Paul dependent on a certain amount of money received for contentment. Boldly, he declares his independence; announcing that his sufficiency is of God. He is pleased with gifts sent to him but wants it made clear that he can make it through without handouts from anybody. He is God’s servant and is content to take each day from his Father’s hand.

We have become very dependent people. We are dependent on the utility companies for power to heat our homes and run our appliances. We are dependent on other nations for energy to operate our factories and businesses. We are dependent on a chain of workers and businesses to bring food to our tables.

But for contentment our source can be the same as Paul’s. God is unchanged. Trusting in Him and believing His promises still brings independence. We are complete in Him.

And that is the perfect state… safe in His hands.