You often see the verse ‘I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength’ (Phil 4:13) on motivational posters with the mountain tops peaking through the clouds. It is often used as the ultimate verse for ‘you got this, and God will help you do it.’ I remember Evander Holyfield having that verse on his robe as he walked into the ring to face Mike Tyson in the heavyweight title bout in 1996. How could he lose?! It seems that one verse, above all others, has been used to help people believe they can overcome the odds, beat the competition and not settle for second best because, after all, God’s going to give you the strength to win. The irony, however, is that verse is talking about contentment and how God gave Paul the ability to be content, no matter the circumstances, win or lose! That may not sell as many T-shirts, but is infinitely more helpful than the common misinterpretation.
In Philippians 4:10-20, the Apostle Paul is writing a letter to the believers in Phillipi, (a city located in modern day Greece) thanking them for supporting him and his ministry. He explained to them that there were times he had plenty and other times he had very little, but that he had learned the secret to being content, whatever the circumstance. His rationale is verse 13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.’ The ‘all things’ he is talking about are ‘the good times and the bad times’. Paul is acknowledging that everything isn’t always easy and it doesn’t always ‘work out’. Contentment is what it is all about and he is letting us know that while he may not have everything he would want, he does have everything he needs. What matters most is the ability to be at peace and content. That only comes through relationship with Jesus and through the strength He gives.
The world is not missing motivation. The world is not without champions and amazing underdog stories. (read my blog on Stevie Wonder) The world, the people we work with and go to school with and see at the mall, don’t need to win at everything they try, they need the peace and contentment that can only come from the Lord who created them and loves them with a passion. Life isn’t easy, and it’s not fair. The Bible itself reminds us ‘rain falls on the just and the unjust’. But knowing God’s love and peace gives us the strength we need to be content and at rest in each and every circumstance. Contentment is not complacency. Being at peace in the midst of a situation doesn’t mean I have to resign myself to never getting out of that situation. It just means I do not have to be stressed out and overwhelmed in that situation, but can trust that God is able to use every circumstance for His glory and for my good.
This year, do not be overcome with anxiety and worry. Do not be drawn into the comparison games that are purveyed by social media, constantly wishing your life was as good as someone else. This is a trap. Find the secret to contentment, knowing that if your faith and hope is in Jesus Christ, then His grace is sufficient for you in every circumstance. You can actually be at rest in Him and be taking ground at the same time. Only God can empower you in that way. Selah.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
I know what it’s like not to have what I need. I also know what it’s like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough. 13 I can do all this by the power of Christ. He gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
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