Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13
Many people take Philippians 4:13 out of context and apply it to any number of situations. When you read this in context, you will learn that Paul wrote this from prison.
He was encouraging the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always. He assured them that there was no need to be anxious or worry about anything. All they needed to do was pray about everything with thanksgiving, and then the supernatural peace of God would guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Paul had learned how to be content in any situation, whether he was hungry or full, whether he was needy or had plenty, whether imprisoned or free. Then he said, “I can do all these things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s so important to read scripture in context.
The word of God has some helpful wisdom when it comes to contentment. You may have experienced loss of employment or income this year, but put your trust in God because everything you have comes from His hand. Don’t ever put your trust in material things.
Riches do not profit in the day of
wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 11:4
Whoever trusts in his riches will
fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
Proverbs 11:28
Wealth may be fleeting, but a right relationship with God is the greatest asset you can ever have. According to Proverbs, it is better to learn to do with less and live a simpler life.
Better is a little with the fear of
the Lord
than great treasure and trouble with it.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fattened ox and hatred with it. Proverbs
15:16-17
Jesus told us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” because there is an inherent danger in over abundance. That's probably why the author of Proverbs 30 asked God to simply meet his needs. No more, no less. Having too much can make you independent of God and being poor may cause you to sin against God.
Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9
Maybe all of us are really better off with fewer
possessions, leading a simpler life, one that is dependent on God, rather than
on an abundance of riches. It’s better to learn to live with less and rely on God than it
is to be wealthy and overconfident. Learn to be content.
If you have given Jesus control of your
life, and placed your trust in Him for salvation, then you have nothing to
fear anyway. God has promised to supply all of your needs according to His riches in
glory in Christ Jesus. Be content with what you have.
