Proclamation:
"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
everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
Explanation:
The Apostle Paul wrote these words under the influence of The
Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Philippi. Paul thanked them for their gifts and then
stated that he was not needy. He had
learned to be content "... whatever the circumstances ..." and
"... in any and every situation ..."
He stated "... for I have learned to be content ..." and then
repeated himself with slightly different words saying "I have learned the
secret of being content ..." His
contentment was not based upon his circumstances or his situation, but upon his
belief, faith, and trust in The Lord God, who gives him the strength to handle
everything that comes his way.
Application:
We need to understand that joy and contentment come from God. The world can't give it to us, and the world can't take it away from us. Contentment, like joy, is a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 2:26) When we truly believe that all things work together for good for them that love The Lord, (Romans 8:28) then we too can be content in every circumstance and situation. Unfortunately, most of us have not learned this. We are not truly needy, we are just greedy. Regardless of what we have, or how much we have, we still want more. We do not really appreciate what we have been blessed to have. To us our glass is always half empty. We must learn to be thankful for the blessing that we have. Our circumstances may not be ideal, but they could be a lot worse. We must learn that God gives us the strength to handle everything that He allows to come our way. We must learn to believe in Him, have faith in Him, and to trust in Him.
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