“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 4:12-13 NIV).

Contentment Vs Chaos

The world tells us that if we’re sad, angry, financially struggling, depressed, afraid, frustrated, hopeless, tired, stressed, or any variation that we can run to overeating, overspending, alcohol, substances, sex, stealing, revenge, and the list goes on. The world offers those alternatives, presenting them as easy, quick fixes. But what they don’t tell you is that those alternatives create cycles. You find yourself needing them daily and the behavior can lead to addiction and overall disappointment. 

Though many would admit the alternatives are easier to obtain, they aren’t the solutions we need to move forward living the life God has called us to live. We need God. His solutions, His ways, and His power. In the busy world, we live in today; peace is valuable and more precious than silver or gold. Many are searching for peace in people and possessions- but real peace comes from Jesus. At the end of today’s devotional,  I trust you will gain a better understanding of the true meaning of contentment and the peace that Christ left for you and embrace it in your daily life.

There’s no need that God can’t supply. God is everything we need, whenever we need it. 

Paul lets us in on a secret — the secret of his contentment and peace. He says, “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: 12, 13)

Paul’s secret was not a five-step plan for unlocking peace. He wasn’t launching a bestseller or selling an online course. His secret was his relationship with Christ — a secret we need to learn and grow in.

Paul encountered some of the most dreadful situations a person could possibly face. Many times, he knew beforehand the risks he would be taking by going to a new destination to share the good news. But Paul was never anxious. In fact, he was “content in any and every situation” because his peace didn’t come from his circumstances but was found in Christ.

We each have a choice. We can choose to handle our anxieties on our own. Or we can choose to give them to the Lord through prayer, to be intentional about thanksgiving, and to allow Him to surround us with His peace in the middle of life’s storms. Like Paul, may we too declare, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

You can experience the peace of God in every situation because you can rely on a God “who will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 20)

Questions To Ponder:

Do I spend time remembering how God has already provided for me in the past? Does reflecting on God’s grace in my previous trials grow my confidence in Who He is? Do I believe that God will meet my every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus?

“All the glory and beauty of Christ are manifested within, and there He delights to dwell; His visits there are frequent, His condescension amazing, His conversation sweet, His comforts refreshing; and the peace that He brings passeth all understanding.” 

Thomas Kempis