"I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13 (CSB)
“There’s just something different about you.” Every once in a while, we encounter someone who radiates a type of joy that gives us pause. We notice they handle circumstances with peace and even persevere with grace. We are drawn to their contentment and often wonder, “What do they know that I don’t?” Perhaps it’s even been said of you.
In school, I sat beside such a person. I remember that she was kind and loving to everyone she met and wore a big smile. Kara was always quick to explain that Jesus was the source of her genuine joy. Most people never knew that she suffered a chronic illness, not that she hid it. She was actually very open about it; it’s just that her love of Jesus and deep faith and trust in Him were greater than her suffering. Kara talked often about the Bible and had learned to rely on the strength of Jesus.
This scenario is one of the most beautiful ways a Christian can live out their testimony of faith. When we live anchored to Jesus, people around us begin to take notice. The quality that others notice is Him.
Contentment breeds contagious joy. But how do we get there? In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul testified that he had learned the secret sauce—the difference of a life fully trusting God. He wrote, “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13).
These are beloved Bible verses and are often quoted when doing hard things. Yet even more tenderly, we discover that Paul wasn’t just hiking, diving, or gearing up for a big exam. He wrote these words while in prison. Doesn’t that layer the concept of “trusting God” with even more richness? Challenges are not only feats to conquer but ongoing seasons like suffering, waiting, and mundane days—all of which we can do through Christ who strengthens us.
When we have gotten to know God through His Word, we can trust His character and rely on His promises. Abiding in Christ and believing His Word causes our hearts to overflow with a holy contentment that spills onto others around us. If we truly believe God’s Word, then His peace surpasses what we think and see. Contentment allows us not only to trust in Him but also to rest in Him.
In a searching world, our countenance becomes like a lighthouse pointing the lost to solid ground. Sadly, not every Christian leaves the light on. We have a choice every single day. We can let the burdens of this world dim our joy and hang our heads, or we can pull out the secret recipe for contentment. We know there will be hard days, but we can live with the undercurrent of peace because we know God’s got this.
Peace, love, joy, and hope are just a few things humans long for yet can’t fulfill apart from Christ. Jesus not only fills the needs of every heart, but He enables us to weather all seasons and storms of life. Sometimes we have plenty, and sometimes we have to go without. Like Paul, we may even endure ongoing struggles and temptations.
In addition to prison, Paul was beaten and stoned for his faith and even shipwrecked (2 Corinthians 11:25). He often suffered a “thorn” in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8-9), yet despite these hardships, God’s love and grace were enough to keep him going. Nothing could take away his joy in the power and strength of Jesus Christ. What areas in your life need a fresh batch of this secret sauce today?
Father God, thank you for filling me with your joy and strength. Remind me often that I have learned the secret of being content, too—it is you, Jesus! Thank you for your love, joy, peace, and power that strengthens me to rest with contentment today. May this be a contagious joy that reflects your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©AaronAmat
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Originally published Friday, 16 February 2024.
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