Content In Every Situation

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:10-13

Notes

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Paul is not reprimanding the church of Philippi in this line, but merely appreciative of the fact that the church has had him continually in their prayers and have now found a way to support him. Often we find that there are too many areas to support and sometimes we get overwhelmed by the inundation of requests for help. We are reminded here that prayer is powerful (James 5:16) and we should always be praying and encouraging those who have been sent out to witness. And yet, when we are able whether by the blessing of having the financial ability to support people or the willingness to offer time, energy or resources, we make those who rely on us shout with praise.

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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.

Vs. 11 is powerful, perhaps even more powerful than its more popular accompanying verse 13. What would it be like to be content both as we are up or down, sad or happy, with abundance or in scarcity? Paul even admits that he had to learn to be content, which means the practice does not come naturally.

One of the worst things we all do is compare. We tend to not compare ourselves with those who have less, but more often compare ourselves to those who have more or who have what we are striving for. But we are encouraged by Paul to be content whatever the circumstances and to regard the good and bad as a blessing because either way we can live one more day and are given another chance to praise God and to be His witness.

The fear of the Lord leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Proverbs 19:23

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

THIS is the keyword in vs 13. Most of us see the words I CAN and take them to mean an expectance of many of our goals and motivations. Sometimes we even feign righteous calling when we struggle instead of recognizing divine resistance. Paul has spent several verses discussing his ability to be content no matter the circumstances and even when it comes to his essential needs. The only way he can look upon the negative in his life with hope and perseverance is because of the strength provided by God to fight social and internal impulses. We should marvel at God’s strength in the reading of Philippians 4 and his willingness to step into our situations and circumstances rather than use this scripture as a means to prop up our own desires.

Recognizing that enduring when one is struggling and not getting materialistic when in a season of plenty can only be accomplished through the power of God. It is too easy to fall into the trap of saying, “If things are working out well then God is with me and when life is bad God is against me.” He is always with us and determines, with His infinite wisdom, the way ahead, never leaving us nor forsaking us.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11

Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good.

Jeremiah 16:19