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A Christian Challenge: The Winter of Our Discontent

January 1st, 2006

“So dark when I roam in this wintry world shrouded,
The hope of my spirit turns trembling to Thee”

(Thomas Moore, The Heart’s Prayer)


“Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of York”

(Shakespeare, King Richard III)

We begin by asking a personal question—Christian, are you content or discontent? (Joshua 7:7; Judges 19:6; I Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5). Christians are challenged to live lives of personal contentment. The apostle Paul addresses this matter of personal contentment in Philippians 4:10-19.

1. Christians do not deny the reality of trouble; to the contrary, they affirm it (Philippians 4:14).

2. Christians may learn the secret of contentment by learning and living out theological knowledge (Philippians 4:12).

3. Christian contentment is not based upon circumstances; but, rather upon the presence of God in one’s life (Philippians 4:11, 19).

While the winter of discontent threatens all living human beings, the possibility of joy looms large for all “in Christ” (Philippians 4:4, 19). Make the necessary changes for 2006 today. Begin the New Year right–right now.

-Robert M. Housby