Philippians 4:11-13 KJV
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
CAN WE SAY WE ARE CONTENT REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES?
Webster’s Dictionary defines content and contented as follows;
Content = in a state of peaceful happiness.
Contented = happy and at ease.
Most everyone will find themselves content or in a state of peaceful happiness, when they have money in the bank, food in the refrigerator, their job is going well, no problems with the kids and everyone is healthy. In other words, when things are going great, contentment is a natural.
In looking at these passages of scripture, I especially love the language of the King James Version, but also wanted to show the NIV language as well. Paul says “I have learned to be content, WHATEVER the circumstances.”
What about us, when things are not going great in our lives?
Can we honestly say that we have learned to be content in our lives, regardless of the circumstances?
Please give serious thought and meditation to this question.
Why? Because this is where God wants us to get to in our spiritual growth and exactly what Satan does not want us to attain.
The Apostle Paul had suffered many trials and hardships in his ministry. Yet, he used those trials to draw closer to God. He became more dependent on God through his trials and circumstances.
In verse 13 of our scripture, Paul expressed that he could get through anything in life, through the strength and help of his Lord and Savior.
How do you react when you don’t like something, or things go wrong?
As you seriously think about how content you are when times are not good, do you find that you spend a lot of time complaining or “crying the blues”, rather than learning and drawing closer to God?
One of Satan’s favorite songs is “Baby Cry Those Blues.”
He wants us to feel sorry for ourselves. He wants us to feel downhearted and discouraged. He wants us to live in worry and fear. He wants us to think the worst in all of our circumstances.
Satan is the great deceiver and liar and wants nothing more than to have believers live in fear, worry and discouragement. These emotional states are bad enough, but they can then lead to bitterness and anger.
The Apostle Paul realized that the life of a believer has trials and tribulations, but God allows and uses these for His purposes.
OUR STRENGTH COMES FROM GOD
In a prior lesson we learned that Paul was beaten, imprisoned and killed for his belief in God. He also had what he referred to as his “thorn in the flesh”, which he had prayed to be removed.
Yet, in spite of all of the hardships and trials, he knew how to cope and live victoriously.
He drew closer to God and depended on Him to get him through his trials.
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
REJOICE AND BE THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
Paul knew to rejoice and thank God for ALL things. No matter the circumstance, we should be like Paul and rejoice daily, thanking and praising God for all He has done and for giving us the strength to endure.
And those trials that come our way? We should thank and praise God for the lessons that they teach us.
Philippines 4:4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
WE MUST KEEP SATAN FROM CONTROLLING OUR THOUGHTS
Finally, Paul knew that he must control his mind and thoughts. Controlling the mind and thoughts can be very difficult for some people. However, it can be done with God’s help.
The mind is where Satan plants the seeds and if he controls our minds/thoughts, he controls us.
What does Paul say we should do? He tells us in verses 6-8;
Philippians 4:6-8
6 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.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
When we are feeling discouraged, we should think about all of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us in this life.
When we are fearful, we should turn our fears over to God. Yes, it is sometimes hard to do, but it can be done. Just as Paul did it, we to can learn to depend always upon the promises of God.
As Paul taught, we should think about the things in our life that are good, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. If we make a habit of doing this, Satan will not be able to get a foothold in a corner of our mind.
God did not promise us a “bed of roses”, so to speak.
He never said that our lives would be free from hardship and challenges.
He DID promise to never forsake us and to give us the strength, through Christ, to endure all things.
His grace is truly sufficient, to meet all of our needs.
Let us;
(1) Thank and praise God daily for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon us in this life.
(2) Thank and praise God daily for the trials that come our way and the lessons we learn through those trials, remembering that He is in total control.
(3) Thank and praise God for all the times that we now realize He was watching over us and protecting us.
In ALL of our circumstances let us be content and depend on God’s grace which is sufficient to meet our every need.
RVH