CONTENTMENT IN CHRIST
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)
Philippians 4:13 is one of the most often quoted verses in the Bible. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most misunderstood. It doesn't mean you can hit all the home runs or score all the touchdowns. It doesn't mean you can achieve any dream you put your mind to. It's not some pie-in-the-sky, feel-good assurance of being able to hit every goal you ever set in life. To understand what this verse really means, we must understand the context.
Paul is writing his letter to the church in Philippi while in prison. He's not on the mountaintop; rather, he's in the valley. In verse 11, he speaks of learning to be content with whatever he has. What a mentality to have in a society that encourages us to climb, grasp and seek more. The problem with a more mentality is that you can never have enough—you'll always want more.
He goes on to say that he has learned how to live with little or with an excess. The secret, according to Paul, is acknowledging that Christ can sustain you in any season. When you're up, and everything is going your way—God is with you and is good. When you're down and nothing is going your way— God is still with you and remains good.
APPLICATION: Are you drawing your strength from Christ? Are you content in Him no matter the season of life you find yourself in? One way to set your eyes on Him is to reflect upon His blessings in your life. Make a list of at least ten things you're thankful for. Acknowledge His hand in blessing you so abundantly. Then go to Him in prayer, thank Him and ask Him to help you remain resolute in every circumstance.
PRAYER: Lord, You are so good to me. No matter my current circumstances, You are with me and are always good. Help me to draw my strength from You, the Author and Finisher of my faith. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?