Title: The Secret of Contentment
Author: William B. Barcley
Published: 2010

(Dr. William B. Barcley is a senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Presbyterian Church and adjunct professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, N.C.)

I found the Secret of Contentment to be wonderfully enjoyable. Dr. Barcley sprinkles his insights into Paul’s letter to the Philippians – which is the bulk of the source material related to the concept of contentment – with humour and self-reflection. This helps us, as the reader, to see some personal narratives, while questioning the wider truth of God and the life of Christ in our own lives.

At first, I had assumed that the book would have little to offer, so it was a wonderful surprise to be taken into new territory with thoughts on the ‘why’ of contentment, instead of just the ‘how’. This gives us an opportunity to find a new trust in Christ, while seeing ourselves in a world which is constantly bombarding us with doom scrolling news.

I recommend the Secret of Contentment to bring some required self-reflection back into your life if you don’t find yourself content, or as a wonderful reminder on how to stay content with Christ as your guide.

Reviewed by: Damir Karaturovic
Date: May 9, 2025