For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Although discontentment can seem harmless to some, it deeply impacts us. It leaves us bitter, angry, and miserable to be around. Discontentment comes when we start looking for fulfillment in earthly possessions, other people, or our circumstances. None of these things can truly satisfy our needs. If we want to be content despite our possessions and circumstances, we have to look only to Christ. In Him, we will find contentment and satisfaction.
Paul understood that true contentment can only be found in Christ, and he demonstrated this belief in Philippians 4, a book of the Bible that he wrote from prison. In this passage of Scripture, he explained that he was not in need, regardless of the circumstances he faced or the things he had or did not have (verses 11-12). In fact, Paul explained that he had learned "the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little" (verse 12). What was his secret to contentment? He revealed his secret in verse 13, "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." The secret to contentment, according to Paul, is looking to Christ, who will strengthen us. Because of Christ, Paul could face persecution, extreme hunger, danger, and much more hardship. He looked to Christ for his source of strength and contentment.
What was true for Paul in prison as he wrote the book of Philippians is true for you, too. In every situation, whether you have much or little, you “can do everything through Christ, who gives [you] strength.” You can walk through anything, good, bad, and everything in between, with deep contentment and find strength in Christ. Will you look to Him and find His strength today?
Memorize Philippians 4:13 today. Bring this verse to mind often today. As you go throughout your day, remember that true contentment is found in Christ. Remember that you can walk through any, and I mean any, situation and find His strength.
Philippians 4:13-23
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
21 Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. 22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
