March 23, 2025

CONTENTMENT IN THE WILDERNESS: WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED
Icebreaker
​Share about a time you received a hand-me-down or something secondhand. What did you feel in that moment—grateful, disappointed, content?

Study Questions

1. Read Philippians 4:10–14.
   What do you notice about Paul’s tone and mindset as he writes from prison? How does he frame his gratitude and contentment?
2. Look at verse 12.
   Paul says he “learned the secret of being content.” Why do you think contentment needs to be learned? What does this tell us about spiritual maturity?
3. Explore verse 13.
   How does the context of this passage reshape the meaning of this verse? What's the difference between the misunderstood statement, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” and the more accurately translated statement, "I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength"?
4. Read Psalm 23.
   How does this psalm reflect the idea that contentment is rooted in who God is? Which phrase in Psalm 23 most speaks to your heart right now?
5. Read Habakkuk 3:17–19.
   What stands out to you in Habakkuk’s response to crisis? How does this passage deepen our understanding of rejoicing even in seasons of lack?

Application Questions

1. What are some areas of life where you’re currently feeling discontent? Are these longings good, misplaced, or a mixture of both?
2. In what ways have you seen God meet your needs in past seasons—especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty?
3. Paul, the Psalmist, and Habakkuk all testify to God’s sufficiency. What would it look like for you to daily practice contentment through gratitude?
4. Reflect on the idea that contentment is not about detachment, but about trust in Christ. How does this reshape how you engage with pain, longing, or uncertainty?

Prayer
Take turns sharing one longing or area of discontent with your group. Then, as a group or in pairs, use this structure to form a simple prayer together:

• Name the longing: “Lord, I long for ___.”
• Add a faith statement: “…and I know this is something you long for too” or “and I’m learning to be content through your strength.”
• Close with gratitude: “Thank you that I have everything I need in you.”

Close your time praying for one another by name, asking for Christ’s strength, God’s peace, and the gift of growing contentment.