“…I have learned the SECRET of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
~Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
Most Christians can quote Philippians 4:13 with no problem, but few can quote what comes before it. In fact, I bet few know the circumstances in which Paul wrote it. Yes, Paul wrote the words… “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).” But what does everything include?
Many times we go around saying this verse on a whim without truly appreciating all that it means. Even non-christians say it. They too want to believe there is strength in something greater than themselves. They’ve heard us use it, so now they use it too. That’s how popular this verse has become. But there is no power in words or in how many times you say them. The power comes in the Truth behind the words. The power comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.
If you take a few steps back with me, you will find the meaning of this verse to be significant in all that you face every single day. Philippians starts with Paul letting us know that he is in prison. He is writing to encourage the Philippi church from his cell in Rome. He never for a moment waivers in his faith. He did not sit and wallow in misery. Instead, he saw everything as an opportunity to advance God’s glory.
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
~Philippians 1:12 (NIV)
He did not let his circumstances silence him, he used them as a megaphone to share the Gospel message. Have your circumstances silenced you? Is it time to pick up your megaphone and share the goodness of God in your life?
Paul had learned the Secret of being content. The Secret was not in the place he worshiped. He was living in a dirty, grimy cell. It wasn’t in the people who surrounded him. There was no one in the cell. It was only him and God. The Secret was not found in anything Paul could accumulate in this life. At the time, he merely had the clothes on his back and the letters he was writing.
He knew the SECRET was found in the Word of God which was hidden in his heart. The SECRET to being content is found in total, complete, and utter reliance on God. Surrender to the King of Kings. Paul knew he wasn’t in control and that was okay. He was not relying on his own strength, he was relying on the strength of the One who died for him and set him free from the sin he once carried.
The SECRET to contentment is found in the everlasting arms of the Father. The One who embraces us with loving kindness. The One who sent His Son to die for us. We can be content in every situation because we know the Father is there. He will never leave you or forsake you (Joshua 1:5)!
Dear Father God, Thank You for continuing to reveal Your secrets to me. I pray that I will be content in every situation. May I proudly raise my megaphone and share the gospel wherever I go!
Living for Your Glory,
Sarah
