Contentment
“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:12, 13
One of the greatest challenges of the Christian life is learning to appropriate by faith the limitless resources of Christ to live a victorious life in both abundance and adversity. Paul was writing from a Roman prison. The Church at Philippi had sent resources to alleviate Paul’s suffering. Paul was then writing them a thank you note for sharing with him to ease his discomfort. In so doing the Holy Spirit inspired one of the richest statements in Scripture on Christ’s ministry to the believer.
There are trials and tests that are associated with both abundance and adversity. When we go through the fiery furnace of adversity we are tempted to doubt Christ’s love and turn to despair.
When we go through times of abundance we are prone to self-sufficiency and independence. Our Father desires His children to be completely dependent on Him for strength to live our life.
Paul had learned in prison and times of freedom the secret of contentment and leaning hard on Christ.
In whatever state you find yourself today- abundance or adversity, I pray that Christ is your all and His strength is your constant resource.
Father, may it be so for each of us as we walk this road by faith.
Because of grace,
Tim
