Phil 4:12-13: I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me. [HCSB]
One final thought on the secret of contentment. Paul wrote, I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The strength is there, the provision for all things is present and available in Christ Jesus. Like so many other things of God, however, the problem lies not with the provision but with our retrieving and living in the provision.
Too often we face situations in life with nary a thought of God’s provision. We whine first, pray second. We react first in our flesh before giving a thought to the spiritual. Our emotions, which we have allowed over the years to dominate, spring to life immediately. We only see need, hunger, and want, and we neglect the provision God already has available.
That is where the learning comes in. We must learn to live every moment in God’s provision, in Him who gives strength for everything.
Learning is always a choice. We can remain ignorant and be blown about constantly by the circumstances of life, or we can learn to be content and then we are able to do any and all things through Christ.
