Philippians 4:12-13 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
It stands out to me that Paul is making the statement that he knows how to be content when things are going well, "to have plenty" and be "well fed". This is interesting to me. I always think of trying to be content when we are in need, not when we have plenty. I am struck today by the contentment Paul found in plenty and that he recognized the need for contentment when in plenty. I know how to trust God for the things I need; that seems easy to me. I'm finding it harder to wrap my brain around contentment when I have plenty. What does that look like? Is it just not wanting more? That seems too shallow. Paul talks about the strength needed to do all things coming from Christ. What do I need strength for when I have plenty? Strength to say no? Strength to say enough? Strength to give? Strength to be thankful? Actually, I think it's not focusing on the situation at all. When you notice your situation, that's where the issue lies. The strength is needed to remain focused on God, not the situation at hand. I get caught up in my circumstances and it affects my relationship with God, causing discontentment. Being content is possible only when we are focusing on God and not on our situation. This can only be done through Christ who gives us the strength to do so.
It stands out to me that Paul is making the statement that he knows how to be content when things are going well, "to have plenty" and be "well fed". This is interesting to me. I always think of trying to be content when we are in need, not when we have plenty. I am struck today by the contentment Paul found in plenty and that he recognized the need for contentment when in plenty. I know how to trust God for the things I need; that seems easy to me. I'm finding it harder to wrap my brain around contentment when I have plenty. What does that look like? Is it just not wanting more? That seems too shallow. Paul talks about the strength needed to do all things coming from Christ. What do I need strength for when I have plenty? Strength to say no? Strength to say enough? Strength to give? Strength to be thankful? Actually, I think it's not focusing on the situation at all. When you notice your situation, that's where the issue lies. The strength is needed to remain focused on God, not the situation at hand. I get caught up in my circumstances and it affects my relationship with God, causing discontentment. Being content is possible only when we are focusing on God and not on our situation. This can only be done through Christ who gives us the strength to do so.
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