The Key to Contentment
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIV
Paul was not one to make demands or have expectations of others to meet his needs. There are two statements of Paul’s in this final chapter of Philippians that caught my attention. In recognizing the concern for the Christians for him he comments, “…you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need...” (Philippians 4:10,11 NIV)
As he thanks the church for their support he observes, “…for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts...” (Philippians 4:16,17 NIV)
Paul was grateful for the support he received, but he did not make demands or manipulate people. He knew that his source was Christ. Time and time again he saw how the Lord had met his needs. He saw how the Lord rescued him from death and gave him grace to endure persecution and suffering. It is from that experience he wrote the well-known words of encouragement, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV)
Paul wanted believers to look the Lord for their provision while they functioned effectively in commitment and love toward one another. In Paul’s life the Lord had met his needs and he wanted others to know the Lord would do the same for them. Paul had experienced times when he had plenty and when he was in want. But regardless of the situations or circumstance he found himself in, he discovered a source of contentment and strength.
What was it? It was the confidence that, “I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strength.” Paul said the Lord gives me strength “to do” plenty, and not set my heart on what I have. He had confidence the Lord gave him strength “to do” poverty or suffering or hardships.
Strength to endure. Strength to be content, regardless of the circumstance is something that we don’t always consider. We tend to look at the Lord’s intervention as the proverbial “calvary” coming to the rescue. We can view it as the “trump” card the insulates more than enables us to endure what we need to, when we are faced with the ebb and flow of life’s circumstances.
The Lord at times enables us to triumph over our trials and at other times He enables us to triumph in our trials. Regardless of which it is, we can be confident of the sufficiency of His strength working in our lives.
Prayer for today… Lord thank You for the strength You provide for whatever confronts us. When we are confident of that resource from Your gracious hand, we learn the key to contentment.